title: Solitary nodal metastases presenting as branchial cysts: a diagnostic pitfall.
abstract: Two patients with metastatic squamous cell carcinoma are presented. Both were initially clinically diagnosed as branchial cysts. The importance of a full examination of the upper aerodigestive tract, and fine needle aspiration cytology is emphasised to avoid the possibility of excision as a branchial cyst, which could lead to tumour dissemination.
authors.affiliation: Oral and Maxillofacial Unit, Royal Hospitals NHS Trust, Whitechapel, London, UK.
authors.forename: P S
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Hardee
authors.forename: I L
authors.initials: IL
authors.lastname: Hutchison
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D001935:Branchioma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D002294:Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000556:secondary*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged