Branchial Cysts

Branchial Cysts



Basic Information image



Definition


Branchial cysts are congenital epithelial cysts that arise as malformations of the branchial arches during embryogenesis. They are uncommon, but when they are present, they are described most often in and around the head and neck from a failure of obliteration of the second branchial cleft.



Synonym(s)


Lateral cervical cyst



Epidemiology



Species, Age, Sex




• Clinical signs may not be immediately apparent, but when the cysts are large or surround critical structures such as the larynx or esophagus, they may be apparent very soon after birth.


• Branchial cysts are rare, and no gender predisposition has been noted.



Genetics and Breed Predisposition


This is a congenital abnormality, but no genetic or breed predisposition has been established.



Associated Conditions and Disorders




• Surrounding vascular, neural, and anatomic structures may be affected and should be examined as part of the preoperative planning.


• Cysts may become infected and develop abscesses.


• Aspiration pneumonia may be present.



Clinical Presentation



History, Chief Complaint


Unilateral or bilateral retropharyngeal, laryngeal, or cervical swelling, which may rapidly increase in size over a short period



Physical Exam Findings




• Firm, nonpainful mass in the area of the caudal mandible to mid-cervical region.


• Unilateral or bilateral mucopurulent discharge may be present.


• Respiratory crackles may be present upon thoracic auscultation.


• Dyspnea.


• Inspiratory stridor.



Etiology and Pathophysiology




• During the fourth week of embryonic life, the development of branchial (or pharyngeal) clefts results in five ridges known as the branchial (or pharyngeal) arches, which contribute to the formation of various structures of the head, neck, and thorax.


• The second arch grows caudally and, ultimately, covers the third and fourth arches. The buried clefts become ectoderm-lined cavities, which normally involute around week 7 of development.


• If a portion of the cleft fails to involute completely, the entrapped remnant forms an epithelium-lined cyst with or without a sinus tract to the overlying skin.

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Jul 24, 2016 | Posted by in SMALL ANIMAL | Comments Off on Branchial Cysts

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