Branchial Cleft Abnormalities

Branchial cleft abnormalities are congenital (present from birth) defects involving abnormally formed tissue clustered in front of the large muscles on either side of the neck. 

These abnormalities occur when tissues in the neck and collarbone area – called the branchial cleft –  do not develop normally during early fetal development.

There are different types of branchial cleft abnormalities, including:

• Cysts or sinuses: Fluid-filled pockets beneath the skin.
• Fistulas: Narrow passages that drain fluid to an opening on the skin surface.
   

Although these abnormalities are usually small, they can grow large enough to cause difficulty with swallowing and breathing. They also frequently become infected, especially during illnesses like a cold, cough, or sore throat.

Symptoms of Branchial Cleft Abnormalities

Symptoms can be present at birth or developed later in childhood. The common symptoms include:

• A small lump or mass on one side of the neck that is usually painless.
• A small opening in the skin on the side of the neck that drains mucus or fluid.
• Redness, warmth, swelling, pain, and drainage if an infection is present.

A branchial cleft abnormality may not be noticed unless it becomes infected and painful.

Diagnosing Branchial Cleft Abnormalities

To diagnose the problem, your child’s doctor will ask you questions about their health history and symptoms, and then physically examine your child while paying close attention to the neck. To confirm the diagnosis and plan treatment, your child’s doctor may order one of the more of the following tests:

• Ultrasound: A painless, non-invasive test that uses sound waves to create images of tissues inside the body
• CT scan: Uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images that help to find the t location and size of an abnormality. Sometimes a contrast dye may be injected during the scan to get more detailed images.
• Biopsy: A small tissue sample is removed and looked at under a microscope to rule out other possible conditions

Treatment Options 

A branchial cleft abnormality will not go away on its own. The appropriate treatment depends on your child’s symptoms, age, general health, and the severity of the condition is. Treatment may include antibiotics to treat infection and. In some cases, your child’s the doctor may need to lance (cut into) and drain the area.
Your child’s doctor may recommend surgery to remove the abnormal tissue, which may help prevent repeated infections. Surgical treatment has a high success rate.

Why Choose Cooper to Treat Branchial Abnormalities

At Cooper University Health Care, our expert team of otolaryngologists (ear, nose, and throat specialists) provides compassionate, comprehensive care for children with branchial cleft abnormalities. Families trust us for our:

• Specialized pediatric expertise: Our board-certified, fellowship-trained ENT specialists have advanced training in diagnosing and treating complex head and neck conditions in children.
• Collaborative, family-centered care: We partner closely with pediatricians and families to create a personalized treatment plan that prioritizes your child’s well-being.
• Advanced diagnostics and treatment: We offer state-of-the-art imaging and surgical techniques to ensure the most accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
• Track record of success: Our team has a history of excellent clinical outcomes and a commitment to helping children recover quickly and comfortably.