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| Figure 1 |
First branchial cleft anomalies are rare, but do occur as cysts
that lie in front, behind, or below the earlobe or under the
jaw. A first branchial sinus has an external opening below the
jaw and above the hyoid bone (a bone present in the neck just
above the voice box).
Second branchial cleft sinuses occur as sinus tracts with an
opening on the skin of the neck during the first 10 years of
life, and as cysts during the second 10 years (see Figure 1). A
skin tag or abnormal cartilage may occasionally be present at
the opening of the sinus, and occasionally the tract may be
felt as a band in the neck.
Third branchial cleft sinuses are extremely rare and are often
located near the thyroid and along the front part of the muscle
in the neck which attaches to the collar bone.
Fourth branchial cleft sinuses are also rare and are located low
in the neck similar to the third cleft sinuses.
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Branchial Cleft Remnant
