Branchial Cyst: An Often Forgotten Diagnosis

Branchial cysts are frequently incorrectly diagnosed and forgotten in the differential diagnosis. Thus, the diagnosis is often delayed, resulting in the mismanagement of these patients. Branchial cyst should be suspected in any patient with a swelling in the lateral aspect of the neck, regardless of whether the swelling is solid or cystic, painful or painless. Fine needle aspiration cytology will accurately demonstrate the cystic nature. The presence of cholesterol crystals and/or epithelial cells in the aspirate will suggest the diagnosis of branchial cyst.