First branchial cleft cysts presenting as parotid tumors

Masses of the parotid gland region can be caused by a variety of different conditions, most commonly neoplasms of a benign or malignant nature. A rare cause for parotid tumors is the embryonologic remnant of first branchial cleft cysts. We reviewed branchial cysts for a 10-year period at the three teaching hospitals in Akron, OH. First branchial cleft cysts, or parotid lympho-epithelial cysts, were found to be a very rare condition presenting as parotid tumors. The surgeon should always be aware of these cysts as a possibility in the differential diagnosis of parotid masses in the infant and adult.