Atypical parapharyngeal branchial cyst – case report
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.34631/sporl.3147Keywords:
Branchial cyst, parapharyngeal space, surgical excision, transcervical approachAbstract
Parapharyngeal branchial cysts are a rare entity, with approximately 40 cases reported in the literature, and surgical excision is the treatment of choice. We present a case of a 34-year-old man, with no relevant medical history, evaluated due to snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. Clinical examination revealed a submucosal swelling of the right lateral oropharyngeal wall, extending to the hypopharynx. MRI identified a cystic lesion in the parapharyngeal space, suggesting a second branchial cleft cyst. The patient underwent surgical excision via a transcervical approach, and histological analysis confirmed the diagnosis. Postoperatively, right vocal cord paralysis was identified, with satisfactory functional recovery after rehabilitation. At 12-month follow-up, no recurrence was observed on MRI. This case highlights the rarity of branchial cleft cysts in parapharyngeal space, the major role of MRI in diagnosis and surgical planning, and the need for awareness of potential complications associated with the treatment of lesions in anatomically complex regions.
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