[The excision of branchial parapharyngeal cysts by transbuccal or l cervical approach]

Branchial cysts located in the parapharyngeal space are extremely rare; only seven cases were described in the literature between 1927 and today. In Quebec City, two cases were operated on during the last 3 years. Often, many antibiotic and surgical treatments have been inefficiently used, before getting to the correct diagnosis and final curative treatment. We stress the importance of a detailed evaluation of the lesion and of a noninvasive surgery. Magnetic resonance imaging is the primary imaging modality for parapharyngeal space masses, and surgical excision using the transoral approach is advantageous in selected cases.