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Updated: May 22, 2026

Ultrasonographic Evaluation of Salivary Glands for Sjogren's Syndrome: Diagnostic and Monitoring Insights
Published on: October 13, 2023
Branchial cysts within the parotid salivary gland
Tahwinder Upile1, Waseem Jerjes, Mohammed Al-Khawalde
1Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Chase Farm & Barnet NHS Trust, Enfield, UK. mrtupile@yahoo.com
Abstract:
Cystic lesions within the parotid gland are uncommon and clinically they are frequently misdiagnosed as tumours. Many theories have been proposed as to their embryological origin. A 20-year retrospective review was undertaken of all pathological codes (SNOMED) of all of patients presenting with any parotid lesions requiring surgery. After analysis seven subjects were found to have histopathologically proven parotid branchial cysts in the absence of HIV infection and those patients are the aim of this review. Four of the most common embryological theories are also discussed with regard to these cases, as are their management.
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