Abstract

Branchial cleft cysts are congenital anomalies arising from the first through fourth pharyngeal clefts. Defects of the branchial apparatus manifest as cysts, sinuses, fistulas, and ectopic glands1. Anomalies arise most commonly from the second branchial cleft followed by first, third and fourth arches2. The occurrence of a branchial cleft cyst in the parapharyngeal space is rare and accounts for 1% of parapharyngeal tumors. Though there are various surgical approaches to the parapharyngeal space, the risk of complications leading to loss of quality of life remains high due to the presence of anatomically important vascular and neural structures in the vicinity.3,4 We hereby report the successful surgical treatment of a branchial cleft cyst in a young woman’s parapharyngeal space, with control of infection, through combined transoral and endoscopic marsupialization.

Description

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