Branchial cleft cyst-CT

First branchial cleft cysts are divided into type I and type II. Type I cysts are located near the external auditory canal. Type II cysts are associated with the submandibular gland or found in the anterior triangle of the neck.

The second branchial cleft are most frequently identified along the anterior border of the upper third of the sternocleidomastoid muscle and adjacent to the muscle. However, these cysts may present anywhere along the course of a second branchial fistula, which proceeds from the skin of the lateral neck, between the internal and external carotid arteries, and into the palatine tonsil .

Third branchial cleft cysts are rare. Third branchial cleft cyst are characteristically located deep to the sternocleidomastoid muscle as in our case which was diagnosed as third branchial cleft cyst.