Clinical update on type II first branchial cleft cysts.

OBJECTIVE

To describe clinical and radiological signs of type II first branchial cleft cyst in order to facilitate diagnosis.

METHOD: Report of three cases of first branchial cleft cyst type II (one of them in association with ipsilateral agenesis of the parotid gland) and review of the literature.

RESULTS

Two clinical signs are described: the location of the sinus opening in the neck, which is situated in a triangle limited by the external auditory canal above, the mental region anteriorly, and the hyoid bone inferiorly, and the presence in some cases of a myringeal web that runs from the floor of the external auditory canal to the umbo. In addition, imaging with computed tomography and magnetic resonance of the parotid area may be helpful in confirming the diagnosis.