Extirpation of First Branchial Cleft Cyst Preserving Superficial Lobe of Parotid Gland

ABSTRACT

Masses of the Parotid-Masseteric area can be caused by various different conditions, most commonly neoplasms of a benign nature. A rare cause for parotid tumors is the embryologic remnant of first branchial cleft cysts. A first branchial cleft cyst is an unusual clinical condition and is hard to be recognized. It is often misdiagnosed because its clinical feature is similar to what can be seen in other common diseases. So it may result in a diagnostic delay and insufficient and dangerous primary surgery. Definite surgical treatment of first branchial cleft cyst requires complete surgical excision, which usually necessitates identification and protection of the facial nerve and superficial parotidectomy. We report a case of first branchial cleft cyst that arose in parotid. We had a good aesthetic and functional result of surgical extirpation with sparing superficial parotid gland. There was no serious complication except temporary weakness of marginal mandibular branch of facial nerve.