When should a branchial cleft cyst be removed?

Branchial cleft cyst surgery is best delayed until the patient is at least age 3 months. Definitive branchial cleft cyst surgery should not be attempted during an episode of acute infection or if an abscess is present.

Can adults get branchial cleft cyst?

A branchial cleft cyst is a common cause of soft tissue swelling in the neck of a young adult; it generally occurs unilaterally and is typically seen in the lateral aspect of the neck.

Who treats branchial cleft cyst?

The treatment of branchial cleft cysts and sinus tracts requires an operation performed by a surgeon trained in head and neck surgery. The surgeons in the Boston Children’s Hospital Department of Otolaryngology and in the Department of Surgery have this depth of expertise.

Do branchial cleft cysts disappear?

Branchial cleft cysts are also congenital cysts. During early development there are gill-like structures that ultimately turn into the structures of the head and neck (such as the ear bones, jaw, muscles). Normally these gills disappear during development but in some cases, they fail to disappear completely.

What causes a branchial cyst in adults?

They occur when tissues in the neck and collarbone area (branchial cleft) fail to develop normally. The birth defect may appear as open spaces called cleft sinuses, which may develop on one or both sides of the neck. A branchial cleft cyst may form from fluid drained from a sinus. The cyst or sinus can become infected.

How do you get rid of a branchial cleft cyst?

What are the treatments for a branchial cleft cyst? Your child’s doctor will likely prescribe antibiotics if your child has signs of infection. It may be necessary to drain fluid from the cyst to ease swelling. To prevent future infections, doctors usually recommend surgery to remove the cyst.

How common are branchial cleft cysts in adults?

Branchial cysts presenting in adults are rare, so a new cystic neck mass should be always considered first as a metastatic nodal disease. The radiologist should be aware that in nonsmoking patients under 40 years old the incidence of a necrotic metastatic lymph node mimicking a benign neck mass is higher.

Can an ENT remove a cyst?

Plastic surgeons or neurosurgeons sometimes may be involved, depending on where the cyst is located. During the procedure, the ENT surgeon will make a small incision (cut) in the skin over the cyst, remove the cyst, then close the incision.

What causes a branchial cleft cyst in adults?

This area of the neck is referred to as the branchial cleft. The birth defect often appears as open spaces, or cleft sinuses. When fluids drain from the sinus, cysts often form. In some instances, they can become infected.

What antibiotics treat cysts?

Oral antibiotics can be used after the infection has improved greatly on intravenous antibiotics and for minimally infected lesions. Appropriate oral antibiotics include amoxicillin (Augmentin), clindamycin, and several other agents.

Does Urgent Care remove cysts?

Both aspiration and cyst removal can be performed in an urgent care center. The treatment of the cyst depends on certain factors, including the type and location of the cyst, and also whether the cyst is infected.

What is Amoxil good for?

Amoxicillin is a penicillin antibiotic. It is used to treat bacterial infections, such as chest infections (including pneumonia) and dental abscesses. It can also be used together with other antibiotics and medicines to treat stomach ulcers.