Cervical branchial cartilaginous remnant

Abstract

Failure of proper migration, fusion, or maturation of the branchial apparatus components results in a variety of congenital defects. Most branchial cysts and fistulae are considered to be derived from the first and second branchial clefts. Of these, cervical cartilaginous rests are infrequent, whereas branchial cysts and sinuses are relatively more common. Our patient, a 4-year-old girl, had been operated on with simple skin excision and excision of the combined platysma. Finding from histopathology revealed a hyaline cartilage. Cervical branchial remnants do not have fistulous tracts or connections with important deeper organs; hence, they can be safely transected at the level of the superficial musculature. Therefore, we believe that the most important points are optimal incision for branchial cartilaginous remnants and surgical excision with preservation of the normal anatomy.