Answer
The exact incidence of branchial cleft cysts in the US population is unknown. [1] Branchial cleft cysts are the most common congenital cause of a neck mass. An estimated 2-3% of cases are bilateral. A tendency exists for cases to cluster in families. [7]
Race
No ethnic predilection has been reported for branchial cleft cysts. [1]
Sex
No sexual predilection is recognized for branchial cleft cysts. [1]
Age
Branchial cleft cysts are congenital in nature, but they may not present clinically until later in life, usually by early adulthood.
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Media Gallery
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First branchial cleft cyst, type II. Contrast-enhanced axial computed tomography scan at the level of the hyoid bone reveals an ill-defined, nonenhancing, water attenuation mass (m) posterior to the right submandibular gland (g).
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Second branchial cleft cyst. Contrast-enhanced axial computed tomography scan at the level of the hyoid bone reveals a large, well-defined, nonenhancing, water attenuation mass (m) on the anterior border of the left sternocleidomastoid muscle(s).
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