Branchial cyst

(Lymphoepithelial cyst)

Epidemiology and Etiology:

· Remnants of branchial arches, OR

· Developmental salivary gland inclusions within cervical lymph nodes

Common sites:

· Anterolateral neck

· Parotid gland

· Sublingual

·

Gross features:

· 2-5cm cyst

· Clear, watery to mucinous fluid

Histologic features:

· Stratified squamous

· Pseudostratified columnar

· Well-developed lymphoid tissue with reactive follicles

· Or intense lymphocytic infiltrate

Immunophenotype:

Marker:

Sensitivity:

Specificity:

Molecular features:

·

Other features:

· Malignant transformation rare

References:

· Kumar V, Fausto N, Abbas A. Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, Seventh Edition. 7th ed. Saunders; 2004:1552.