Second Branchial Cleft Cyst: A Case Report

Amygdaloid cysts are benign dysembryological cystic tumors that develop in the antero-lateral part of the neck; they represent 2% of laterocervical tumors of the neck; they are among the most frequent gill anomalies; they represent 6.1% to 85.2% of second cleft anomalies. They are due to the persistence of the cervical sinus during the differentiation of the branchial apparatus. They are manifested by a laterocervical swelling located at the anterior edge of the sterno-cleido-mastoid muscle. Their cystic nature is confirmed by ultrasound and CT. Treatment consists of surgical excision. We report the case of a 33-year-old man who consulted for a huge right laterocervical swelling that had been evolving for 16 months without any other associated symptoms. An exploratory cervicotomy with an anatomo-pathological study was performed, and the histological diagnosis retained was an amygdaloid cyst without signs of malignancy. The objective of this work is to analyze the anatomo-clinical characteristics and discuss the methods of management and the therapeutic indications of this affection.