Branchial Cyst

A Branchial Cyst is a cyst that develops at the site of one of the pharyngeal pouches of the embryo as a result of its abnormal development.

Pharyngeal pouches are temporary structures that form in the early stages of embryogenesis. From these, gill arches subsequently develop, which participate in the formation of the organs of the head and neck. If there is a violation of the regression (reverse development) of one of the pharyngeal pouches, then in its place a cavity lined with epithelium can form - a branchiogenic cyst.

Branchiogenic cysts are most often localized on the neck in the area of ​​the carotid arteries, less often along the edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle or in the submandibular region. Clinically manifested as a painless mass formation, slowly increasing in size.

Diagnosis is based on medical history, clinical picture and ultrasound results. The final diagnosis is established based on histological examination of the removed specimen.

Treatment of branchiogenic cysts is surgical - complete excision of the cyst within healthy tissue. The prognosis is generally favorable.

Branchial Cyst: causes, symptoms and treatment

A branchiogenic cyst is a tumor that develops at the site of one of the pharyngeal pouches of the embryo due to its abnormal development. This is the most common type of neck cyst in children and young adults. Although this tumor is usually benign, in some cases it can cause serious problems.

Causes of Branchiogenic cysts

A branchiogenic cyst occurs as a result of abnormal development of the pharyngeal pouches in the embryo. Pharyngeal pouches are depressions on the lateral walls of the pharynx that form during embryonic development and then develop into various structures of the neck and head, such as the ears, salivary glands, and thyroid gland.

If one of the pharyngeal pouches does not close or develop properly, it can lead to the formation of a Branchiogenic cyst. It can appear at any age, but most often occurs in children and young adults.

Symptoms of a Branchiogenic cyst

A branchiogenic cyst usually does not cause symptoms and may be discovered incidentally during examination of the neck. However, if the tumor is large enough, it may become noticeable or cause discomfort when turning the head or swallowing.

In rare cases, a branchiogenic cyst can become infected, which can lead to more discomfort, pain, and swelling in the neck area. Sometimes a cyst can become a place of stagnation, which leads to the appearance of purulent discharge.

Diagnosis and treatment of Branchiogenic cyst

Various examination methods can be used to diagnose a Branchiogenic cyst, including ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Treatment for a Branchiogenic cyst usually involves surgical removal. Surgical removal of a cyst is usually performed under general anesthesia and can take several hours, depending on the size and location of the cyst. After surgery, it may take some time to recover.

In conclusion, a Branchiogenic cyst is a benign tumor that can arise due to the abnormal development of the pharyngeal pouches of the embryo. Although it usually does not cause serious problems, in rare cases it may need to be removed surgically. If you notice any changes in the neck area, contact your doctor for diagnosis and advice. Early detection and treatment of a Branchiogenic cyst can help avoid serious complications and ensure full recovery.

A branchial cyst is a rare anomaly that develops at the site of one or more pharyngeal pouches of the embryo. The pharyngeal pouches are formed from cells that are found in the middle of the pharynx and are involved in the production of the mucous membrane of the larynx and tonsils. However, in some cases, these cells may deviate from their normal function and begin to grow in the larynx, forming a cyst.

The pathological anatomy of a branchiogenic cyst appears as a soft, voluminous, knob-shaped formation that can grow to large sizes and is often present on the neck as a pale or light pink raised lump. As the cyst grows, it can compress surrounding structures such as other airways, impairing breathing and swallowing functions. Although a cyst may be slow growing, it can sometimes develop into a malignant tumor or malignant change.

The clinical picture of the cyst may include the patient having a lump in the neck, a sore throat, a foreign body sensation in the neck, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, coughing, and worsening or decreased air flow into the larynx and mouth. Sometimes cysts can be large