title: Branchial cyst--to endoscope or not?
abstract: Cervical cystic metastases are uncommon, originating predominantly from an oropharyngeal primary. Pre-operative differentiation from a branchial cyst can prove difficult. Three cases which presented clinically as branchial cysts but were subsequently found to be cystic metastases are described, and the literature is reviewed. Endoscopy, ipsilateral tonsillectomy and blind biopsies of Waldeyer's ring, combined with excision of the cervical lesion are recommended in patients over 40 years old.
authors: ENT Department, Norfolk and Norwich Hospital.
authors: A P
authors: AP
authors: Bath
authors: G E
authors: GE
authors: Murty
authors: P J
authors: PJ
authors: Bradley
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001935:Branchioma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000556:secondary; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000556:secondary; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009959:Oropharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*