2nd Branchial Cleft Cyst

Findings:

Axial postcontrast CT neck shows a well defined cystic lesion in the left jugulodigastric region with very minimal uniform rim enhancement and internal slight hyperdensity to simple water.

Differential diagnosis:

branchial cleft cyst, nodal metastasis, suppurative adenopathy less likely

Discussion:

-2nd is most common- situated between SM gland and SCM at mandibular angle level

-1st is located in the parotid gland anterior to the external ear

-3rd is located in posterior cervical space

-Round unilocular simple fluid attenuation with very thin uniform wall

-More complex appearance if infected- also consider necrotic node(s) in these cases

-Don’t bet against squamous cell carcinoma if over 40

BACK TO MAIN PAGE