What is a branchial cleft abnormality?
A branchial cleft abnormality is a mass of abnormally formed tissues within the neck. These tissues may form pockets called cysts that contain fluid, or they may form passages that drain to an opening in the skin surface. Branchial cleft abnormalities are usually located near the front edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, which is the neck muscle that extends from the jawbone (mastoid) to the clavicle (collarbone) and sternum (breastbone). Different types of branchial cleft abnormalities include the following: • cysts or sinuses – deep tissue pockets or cavities containing fluid. • fistulas – drainage passage from internal tissues to the skin surface. Branchial cysts are more common in older adolescents and adults, especially males, while branchial fistulas are more commonly seen in young infants.
