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Updated: Jul 17, 2026

Microscopic Cyst Resection for the Treatment of Patients Diagnosed with Epididymal Cyst
Published on: March 31, 2023
Second branchial cleft cyst: about 34 cases
Background:
the amygdaloid cyst is a rare laterocervical cystic tumor arising from the second branchial cleft. It accounts for 2% of laterocervical tumors.
Aim:
analyze the anatomo-clinical characteristics and discuss the management and therapeutic indications of second branchial cleft cysts.
Methods:
we report a 14-year retrospective study (2000-2013) concerning 34 cases of amygdaloid cysts diagnosted and treated at ENT department of Farhat Hached hospital of Sousse.
Results:
The average age of our patients was 27 years with a sex ratio 0.8. Physical examination found a cervical mass in all the cases: jugulo-carotid in 26 cases (77%), supraclavicular in two cases (6%). The location was not specified in 6 cases (17%). Cervical ultrasound was performed in 30 patients, and showed a cystic mass in 17 cases. Complement by CT was performed in 5 patients suggesting the diagnosis of second branchial cleft cysts in two cases. One patient had an MRI for a large supraclavicular mass. A fine needle aspiration biopsy was performed in 13 patients. All patients underwent surgery with complete excision of the cyst. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of second branchial cleft cysts, with 2 cases of malignant degeneration. One case of recurrence was noted.
Conclusions:
Second branchial cleft cysts are relatively rare malformations. Their diagnosis is confirmed by pathological examination. The treatment is surgical.
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