Branchial disorders

Branchial disorders - Disorders due to abnormal development, in an embryo, of the branchial arches (paired segmented ridges of tissue in each side of the throat). They include branchial cyst and branchial fistula.

A branchial cyst is a soft swelling, containing a pus-like or clear fluid, that appears on the side of the neck in early adulthood. Treatment is by surgical removal. A branchial fistula occurs between the back of the throat and the external surface of the neck, where it appears as a small hole, usually noted at birth.

A hole in the neck that does not extend to the back of the throat is a branchial cleft sinus. A branchial fistula or cleft sinus may discharge mucus or pus and may be removed surgically.