Branchial Cyst in the Neck - Late Presentation: A Case Report with Review of Literature

Branchial cyst typically presents as a unilateral, soft tissue swelling that is located deep to the anterior border of sternocleidomastoid in the lateral aspect of the neck of a child or young adult. It is very essential that an accurate clinical diagnosis and in certain cases appropriate imaging is performed so that definite treatment can be carried out. The authors present the case of a 40 years old female patient, presenting with a right sided cervical swelling of one year duration, gradually progressive in size in the last four months. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the neck suggested a branchial cyst. She was successfully managed surgically without any recurrence. The aim of presenting this case is to highlight the rarity of the branchial cyst as a clinical entity in the differential diagnosis of the lateral neck masses and to emphasize the importance of a proper surgical excision in order to avoid the recurrence in the management of branchial cysts.