A case of branchial cleft cyst in the esophagus: A case report

Branchial cleft cyst, also known as a benign lymphoepithelial cyst, is a congenital disorder with an unclear pathogenesis. It most commonly occurs in the anterior triangle of the neck along the upper third of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, while occurrences at other sites are exceedingly rare. Diagnosis through ultrasound, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging is challenging. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) enables the acquisition of complete specimens, aiding in the diagnosis and treatment of such lesions. This study presents a case of an esophageal branchial cleft cyst that was successfully diagnosed and treated with ESD, resulting in an excellent postoperative outcome. This case enhances clinical recognition of this rare entity and demonstrates the therapeutic utility of ESD in its management.