Second branchial cyst in the parapharyngealspace: a case report.
OBJECTIVE
We report the clinical findings and management of a large retro- and parapharyngeal branchial cyst in a 54-year-old man whose only complaint was a 12-month history of snoring.


METHODS
Case report and a review of the world literature concerning parapharyngeal cysts are presented.


RESULTS
On computed tomography (CT) images, a well-marginated cystic mass was observed in the left retro- and parapharyngeal spaces, with displacement of the left internal and common carotid arteries. The cyst contained thick, sterile, yellowish pus, without malignant cells. We performed a transoral resection without any surgical complications. No recurrence was observed 2 years later.


CONCLUSIONS
Parapharyngeal branchial cysts are rare and often paucisymptomatic. The transoral approach can provide good exposure allowing complete resection without significant post-operative complications or cervical scarring.
Saussez
S
S
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, CHU Saint-Pierre, 322 Rue Haute, 1000 Brussels, Belgium. sven.saussez@umh.ac.be
De Maesschalk
T
T
Mahillon
V
V
Filleul
O
O
Louryan
S
S
D001934:Branchial Region; D003560:Cysts / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures; D010608:Pharyngeal Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed