title: Congenital cervical cysts, sinuses and fistulae.
abstract: Congenital cervical anomalies are important to consider in the differential of head and neck masses in children and adults. These lesions can present as palpable cystic masses, infected masses, draining sinuses, or fistulae. Thyroglossal duct cysts are most common, followed by branchial cleft anomalies, dermoid cysts, and more rarely median cervical clefts. Other topics discussed include median ectopic thyroid, cervical teratomas, and branchiootorenal syndrome. Appropriate diagnosis and management of these lesions requires a complete understanding of their embryology and anatomy. Correct diagnosis, resolution of infectious issues before definitive therapy, and complete surgical excision are essential to prevent recurrence.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Children's Hospital and Regional Medical Center, University of Washington School of Medicine, G0035, 4800 Sand Point Way, NE, Seattle, WA 98105, USA.
authors.forename: Stephanie P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Acierno
authors.forename: John H T
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Waldhausen
mesh_terms: D001934:Branchial Region / Q000002:abnormalities*; D019280:Branchio-Oto-Renal Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis; D001935:Branchioma / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003884:Dermoid Cyst / Q000175:diagnosis; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D011859:Radiography; D013955:Thyroglossal Cyst / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging