An Unusual Presentation of type-IV Second Branchial Cyst: A Case Report

Second branchial cleft cysts are a cystic dilatation of the remnant of the second branchial cleft that account for 95-percent of all branchial cleft malformations, along with second branchial fistulae and sinuses. Among them, the type-IV second branchial cyst is present against the pharyngeal wall in the parapharyngeal space and is rarest of all. Herein we report a rare presentation of type-IV second branchial cyst where MRI played a critical role for accurate preoperative diagnosis. The transcervical approach is a safe and effective technique for proper exposure and hence total surgical excision in such cases.