A second branchial cleft cyst presenting as a dumbbell-shaped anterior neck mass

ABSTRACT

@#<p style="text-align justify;">Branchial cleft anomalies are among the most common causes of congenital anterior neck masses in the pediatric population. They present as epithelial-lined, single cysts. The definitive management is surgical excision. However, failure to remove the entire cyst and tract may lead to recurrence of the mass.</p><p style="text-align justify;">Unusual presentations of this condition may lead to incomplete excision if inadequately evaluated. There is a scarcity of material documenting atypical presentations of branchial cleft anomalies-- in particular, presentation as 2 distinct cysts in one region. In our literature search of PubMed, Google Scholar and HERDIN using the terms "congenital mass," "branchial cleft cyst," and "multiple cysts," only 3 similar cases were found.</p><p style="text-align justify;">We report a case of a second branchial cleft anomaly presenting as a dumbbell-shaped mass (two cystic structures, connected by a tubular structure) in the right lateral neck, the subsequent management and outcomes.</p>