Branchial cysts
Introduction to Branchial cysts
Welcome to the Branchial cysts subsection of the ENT for the MSRA course.
This section is designed to provide comprehensive and structured learning materials to help you understand and master the topic of Branchial cysts for the MSRA.
Resources for Branchial cysts:
- Branchial cysts Revision Notes for MSRA: Detailed and concise traditional revision notes covering all essential aspects of Branchial cysts, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. These notes are based on UK NICE guidelines and formatted in tables for easy recall.
- Branchial cysts Flashcards for MSRA: Interactive flashcards to help you memorise key facts and concepts about Branchial cysts. These are perfect for quick reviews and reinforcing your knowledge.
- Branchial cysts Accordion Q&A Notes for the MSRA: Engage in active learning with question-and-answer style revision notes in the accordion format. This is useful for testing your understanding of Branchial cysts and focusing on areas needing improvement.
- Branchial cysts Rapid Fire Quiz for MSRA: A short quiz to test your knowledge and recall of Branchial cysts-related concepts. It’s an excellent way to assess your progress and pinpoint areas for further review.
We hope you find these resources helpful and engaging as you prepare for the MSRA.
Key Points about Branchial cysts
- Definition: Branchial cysts are congenital epithelial cysts that arise on the lateral aspect of the neck due to the failure of obliteration of the second branchial cleft in embryonic development.
- Causes:
- Failure of the branchial cleft to properly involute during embryogenesis.
- They may become apparent after infection or inflammation in adjacent tissues.
- Symptoms:
- A painless, soft, and fluctuant swelling on the lateral side of the neck.
- May become infected, causing pain, erythema, and swelling.
- Discharge from a sinus tract if the cyst communicates with the skin.
- Investigations:
- Clinical diagnosis based on presentation and location.
- Ultrasound: To assess the structure and content of the cyst.
- CT or MRI: In complex cases to evaluate deeper structures or plan for surgery.
- Fine-needle aspiration (FNA): To exclude malignancy in suspicious cases or rule out other neck masses.
- Management:
- Surgical excision: The definitive treatment to prevent recurrence and complications.
- Antibiotics: If the cyst becomes infected, prior to definitive surgery.
- Regular monitoring: In asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic patients not opting for immediate surgery.
- Complications:
- Recurrent infections if not surgically excised.
- Abscess formation.
- Rarely, transformation into malignancy.
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