Primary branchiogenic carcinoma: malignant degeneration of a branchial cyst, a case report
Related Experiment Video For PBC
Updated: Nov 26, 2025
Generation and Quantitative Characterization of Functional and Polarized Biliary Epithelial Cysts
Published on: May 16, 2020
Giuseppe Colella1, Ciro Emiliano Boschetti2, Chiara Spuntarelli2
1Department of Multidisciplinary Medical, Surgical and Dental Specialties, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
Background:
Primary branchiogenic carcinoma (PBC) is an extremely rare and poorly documented disease developed from a brachial cleft cyst.
Case:
A 51-year-old patient was referred to our unit for an upper neck mass. PBC was confirmed in accordance with Kahfif's diagnostic criteria. Prophylactic selective neck dissection was performed in a second-stage surgery to ensure the complete removal of the neoplasm. Branchiogenic origin with lymphoid tissue was confirmed in the "host cyst" after histological examination and no other tumors were found elsewhere. Regular follow up documented no relapse 12 months after surgery.
Conclusions:
Although rare, PBC must be suspected in presence of cervical masses, especially in patients older than 40 years. A standardized treatment algorithm still lacks, but prophylactic selective neck dissection could be considered as the first line choice after the diagnosis has been confirmed.
