Branchial cleft cysts are found in the neck and do not usually cause problems unless they become infected.

The external opening occurs about 2/3 of the way down the SCM anteriorly similar to second branchial cleft cysts.

Pictures and Imaging of Branchial Cleft Cysts (Page 1)

Branchial cleft cyst (Cervical lymphoepitelial cyst)

Branchial cleft cysts are remnants of embryonic development and result from a failure of obliteration of one of the branchial clefts, which in fish develop into gills.

A branchial cleft cyst is a congenital epithelial cyst that arises on the lateral part of the neck due to failure of obliteration of the second branchial cleft in embryonic development.

In the acute setting, indications for tracheotomy include such conditions as severe facial trauma, head and neck cancers, large congenital tumors of the head and neck (e.g., branchial cleft cyst), and acute angioedema and inflammation of the head and neck.