Branchial cleft anomalies are present at bih or sholy after bih. Which of the following is TRUE about branchial anomaly?
The usual course of branchial cleft apparatus anomalies is recurrent infection. These masses may present in the neck as a discrete fullness along the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid. Cysts are more common than fistulas or sinuses. The majority of branchial cleft cysts arise from the second branchial cleft, with the remainder arising from the first branchial cleft. Third and fouh branchial cleft anomalies are very rare. Surgical excision is performed early rather than later to better ensure that excision is complete. Ref: Otolaryngology: The Essentials edited by Allen M. Seiden, 2002, Page 491.
Fistulas are more common than cysts
For sinuses surgery is not always indicated
Cysts present with dysphagia and hoarseness of voice
Most commonly due to 2nd branchial remnants