Benign Cervical Lymphoepithelial Cyst: A Detailed Overview

Question. Write notes on benign cervical lymphoepithelial cyst.

Answer. Benign cervical lymphoepithelial cyst is also known as a branchial cleft cyst.

Pathogenesis Of Branchial Cleft Cyst

It originates from the cystic transformation of gland epithelium entrapped in the oral lymphoid aggregates during embryogenesis.

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Clinical Features Of Branchial Cleft Cyst

It is located superfiially in the neck, close to the angle of mandible, anterior to sternocleidomastoid muscle.
It occurs at all the ages with a fairly equal distribution from 1st to 6th decades.
Neck lesions vary in size from small to very large.
There is swelling, which may be progressive or intermittnt and pain may also be a feature.
Lymphoepithelial cyst generally present as an asymptomatic, circumscribed, movable swelling on lateral aspect of the neck.
It may be unilateral or bilateral.

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Histopathology Of Branchial Cleft Cyst

Cystic cavity is lined by thin stratifid squamous epithelium.
Cyst is generally embedded in a circumscribed mass of lymphoid tissue.
Capsule of the cyst also present variable amount of connective tissue, being infitrated by lymphocytes, plasma cells, macrophages and some multinucleated giant cells.
Cystic lumen is filed up with either a thin watery flid or a thick gelatinous material.

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Treatment Of Branchial Cleft Cyst

It is removed by local surgical incision.

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