Infection in branchial cysts

A series of 26 branchial cysts is reported. Seventeen patients presented with no history of infection, three with mild infection and six patients were referred with chronic or recurrent infection. The diagnosis of branchial cyst was confirmed histologically in each. Infection did not appear to be an important feature in the presentation of the 17 larger, visible cysts in the lateral neck diagnosed pre-operatively. Overt infection may have been prevented by antibiotics and aspiration of the cyst in three of these patients who had rapidly enlarging, uncomfortable, tense cysts. It is emphasized that a branchial cyst should be considered in explanation of any collar stud abscess or inflammatory mass in the lateral neck.