The first branchial cleft carcinoma

Primary branchiogenic carcinoma was previously a debated entity. Initially it was a popular diagnosis for many cystic carcinomas of the neck. Then, in 1950, stringent criteria were defined for establishing the diagnosis of primary branchiogenic carcinoma. Only a limited number of cases have successfully fulfilled these criteria. We describe a patient who meets the criteria and who we believe represents the first reported case of a carcinoma arising from the vestigium of the first branchial cleft. We also review the literature on branchial cleft carcinomas and discuss the diagnosis, histopathologic features, and therapeutic options.