Branchial disorders

Disorders due to abnormal development, in an embryo, of the branchial arches (paired segmented ridges of tissue in each side of the throat). They include branchial cyst and branchial fistula. A branchial cyst is a soft swelling, containing a pus-like or clear fluid, that appears on the side of the neck in early adulthood. Treatment is by surgical removal. A branchial fistula occurs between the back of the throat and the external surface of the neck, where it appears as a small hole, usually noted at birth. A hole in the neck that does not extend to the back of the throat is a branchial cleft sinus. A branchial fistula or cleft sinus may discharge mucus or pus and may be removed surgically.

 

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