[Case of concurrent second branchial cleft cyst and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma]

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Head and Neck Surgery
• Diagnostic Imaging

Background:

• Second branchial cleft cysts and lymphomas are common neck masses with distinct characteristics.
• Concurrent presentation of these two distinct pathologies in the same anatomical location is exceptionally rare.
• Understanding the differential diagnosis and management of co-existing neck masses is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of concurrent second branchial cleft cyst and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in the same anatomical region.
• To highlight the diagnostic challenges and successful management strategies for such co-existing conditions.
• To provide a clinical reference for similar rare presentations.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of a patient with a concurrent second branchial cleft cyst and DLBCL.
• Diagnostic workup included clinical evaluation, imaging findings, and ultrasound-guided biopsy.
• Treatment involved a combination of R-CHOP chemotherapy and surgical resection.

Main Results:

• Diagnosis of concurrent second branchial cleft cyst and DLBCL was confirmed through comprehensive evaluation.
• The patient achieved a pathological complete response following combined R-CHOP chemotherapy and surgical intervention.
• The patient demonstrated a favorable prognosis after treatment.

Conclusions:

• Concurrent second branchial cleft cyst and DLBCL, though rare, can be successfully managed with a multimodal approach.
• Accurate diagnosis through integrated clinical, imaging, and pathological assessment is paramount.
• This case underscores the importance of considering rare co-occurrences in the differential diagnosis of neck masses.