Disease Injury Nutrition Poison
Special Topic Surgery Symptoms Test
 
2
4
5
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
Q
R
S
T
U
V
W
X
Y
Z

Branchial cleft cyst (cleft sinus)
Definition:
A defect found in the neck or just below the collarbone (clavicle) that may be visible as pits in the skin, projections of tissue, or lumps.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

These defects appear early during development of the embryo when tissues of the branchial cleft (the area in the neck and collarbone) fail to develop in the normal manner. The sinuses and cysts may appear on one or both sides. Fluid occasionally can drain from a sinus, and these structures can become infected.
Symptoms:
  • small pits, lumps or tissue tags at either side of the neck or just below the collarbone (see neck lumps and skin tags)
  • fluid draining from a pit on the neck
Signs and tests:
Examination by your health care provider is often sufficient to diagnose this condition, and testing is usually not necessary.
Treatment:
Antibiotics must be given for infected branchial cleft cysts or sinuses. Surgical removal is indicated if there are persistent problems with drainage or infection.
Expectations (prognosis):
Most branchial cleft remnants require no treatment.
Complications:
  • infection of the cyst or sinus


Calling your health care provider:

Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you notice a small pit, cleft, or lump in the neck or upper shoulder especially if fluid drains from this area.
Prevention:
There is no known prevention.
Review Date: 5/21/2001
Reviewed By: Adam S. Levy, M.D., Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2002 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
adam.com