Congenital Neck Cysts
Branchial Cleft Cysts
Branchial cysts appear on the side of the neck, usually noticed in the twenties. Infection is treated with antibiotics first; the lasting solution is removing the cyst with its tract.
Branchial cleft cysts
Branchial cleft cysts appear as soft, round, painless swellings in the neck. Although present from birth, they usually announce themselves around the twenties, once the material inside has accumulated enough to form a mass. They can swell up after an upper respiratory infection.
Malignant change is rare. If there is infection, antibiotics come first and surgery after. During the operation the cyst's tract is followed and removed with it, so that it does not recur.
Read the full Congenital Neck Cysts guide
Frequently asked questions
Incisions are hidden in natural neck lines and usually fade with time. Removing the cyst completely, together with its tract, is also the key to preventing recurrence.
Medically reviewed by Prof. Dr. Ayşenur Meriç Hafız, Professor of ENT and Head & Neck Surgery — August 2026 · About
Outcomes of surgical and medical procedures vary from person to person; please consult your physician for an assessment specific to you.
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