Congenital Neck Cysts
Dermoid Cysts of the Neck
Dermoid cysts are another congenital group, usually noticed as a painless swelling. Ultrasound is often enough for diagnosis, and treatment is surgical.
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
Any lump that has not shrunk within two or three weeks, or is growing or hardening, deserves examination. Cysts are benign, but examination and ultrasound should say so, not guesswork.
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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