Signs Of A Branchial Cleft Cyst And How It's Diagnosed

A branchial cleft cyst is an open space or pouch in the tissue around the neck or shoulder, most commonly found between the neck and collarbone. Although it may not be noticed until late childhood or early adulthood, the branchial cleft cyst is a common congenital defect. It is caused when structures around the neck develop abnormally within the womb, leaving a space instead of solid tissue. The condition is often diagnosed when the cyst fills with mucus, causing it to bulge and form a lump. A patient may mistake the cyst for a cancerous mass due to the unusual nature of this growth. There are some common signs a patient has a branchial cleft cyst. Learn about them now.

Fluid Drainage From The Neck

A branchial cleft cyst can exist for years without being noticed. As a child’s body matures, the sinuses can drain more effectively during a cold or another illness. When a child or young adult has a branchial cleft cyst, mucus caused by the infection can drain into the cyst, causing it to swell. In most cases, the cyst is interior and feels like a lump under the skin. In other cases, there may be a small hole, known as a fistula, leading from the cyst to the outer skin. The cyst becomes noticeable when there is fluid drainage from the neck. Although this symptom may be troubling, it is only a problem if the cyst itself becomes infected. In some cases, surgery can be done to remove the cyst and close the fistula.

Learn more about the signs of a branchial cleft cyst now.