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second branchial cleft cyst
Tuesday 3 April 2012
cyst of the second branchial pouch; amygdaloid cyst; cyst of the second branchial cleft
Definition : The second branchial cleft accounts for 95% of branchial anomalies. Most frequently, these cysts are identified along the anterior border of the upper third of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, adjacent to the muscle. However, these cysts may present anywhere along the course of a second branchial fistula, which proceeds from the skin of the lateral neck, between the internal and external carotid arteries, and into the palatine tonsil. Therefore, second branchial cleft cyst is in the differential of a parapharyngeal mass.
See also
branchial cleft cyst (cyst of the branchial clefts)