Synonym(s)
Branchial cleft cyst; Branchial Fistula; branchiogenic; Branchiogenic fistula; Fistula; Fistula branchiogenic
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Symmetrically or asymmetrically occurring (branchiogenic) fistulas, cysts or sinus resulting from developmental disorders in the gillbow apparatus. These can be present at birth or only develop in early adulthood. In rare cases they appear as an autosomal-dominantly inherited disease, possibly combined with other branchiogenic malformations. Branchiogenic malformations lead to cysts and sinus, which are drained outwards through the skin at certain points on the one hand and internally into the pharynx on the other. On the skin they appear as reddish-brown, smooth or swollen papules or plaques, but also as weeping, granulomatous inflammations.
ClassificationThis section has been translated automatically.
Classification according to localization:
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LocalizationThis section has been translated automatically.
Mid-neck, preauricular or along the anterior edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle.
Clinical featuresThis section has been translated automatically.
External fistula opening of different size is visible, the fistula tract only to a small extent. Often secretion from the external fistula opening. If the opening is stuck together or if only a part of the duct persists: mucus-filled, bulging cysts which can be palpated under the skin.
DiagnosisThis section has been translated automatically.
Radiological fistula imaging or staining with methylene blue solution possible.
Complication(s)This section has been translated automatically.
In rare cases carcinomatous degeneration of the epithelial cyst components.
TherapyThis section has been translated automatically.
Excision by experienced ENT doctors.
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Celis I et al (1998) The use of preoperative fistulography in patients with a second branchial cleft anomaly. Eur Radiol 8: 1179-1180
- Gerhards F et al (2001) Aberrant salivary gland tissue in differential diagnosis of branchiogenic neck cyst. HNO 49: 476-478
- Hong KH et al (1999) Radiological appearance of primary branchial cleft cyst carcinoma. J Laryngol Otol 113: 1031-1033
- Megarbane A et al (2003) A new dominant branchiogenic-deafness syndrome with internal auditory canal hypoplasia and abnormal extremities. At J Med Genet 15: 276-282
- Vera Llao R et al (1995) Does branchiogenic carcinoma exist or not? Acta Otorrinolaringol Esp 46: 399-401
- Wheeler CE et al (1958) Branchial anomalies in three generations in one family. Arch Dermatol 77: 715-718
- Zimmermann CE et al (2003) Carcinoma in situ in a lateral cervical cyst. Head neck 24: 965-969
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Incoming links (8)
Branchial cleft cyst; Branchial fistula; Branchiogenic fistula; Cyst; Ear fistula and cyst, congenital; Fistula, branchiogenic; Lower lip fistula and cyst, congenital; Nasal fistula and cyst, congenital;Outgoing links (6)
Ear fistula and cyst, congenital; Excision; Lower lip fistula and cyst, congenital; Nasal fistula and cyst, congenital; Neck fistula and cyst, lateral; Neck fistula and cyst, median;Disclaimer
Please ask your physician for a reliable diagnosis. This website is only meant as a reference.
Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer