Answer
The exact incidence of branchial cleft cysts in the US population is unknown. 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. [6]
Race
No ethnic predilection has been reported for branchial cleft cysts.
Sex
No sexual predilection is recognized for branchial cleft cysts.
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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