BRANCHIAL CYSTS Meaning and
Definition
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Branchial cysts, also known as branchial cleft cysts, are benign fluid-filled cysts that develop in the neck region. These cysts are believed to originate from incomplete closure of the branchial clefts, which are embryonic structures that eventually develop into various parts of the head and neck. Branchial cysts commonly occur in the lateral side of the neck below the angle of the jaw, although they can also be found in other locations along the course of the branchial clefts.
Typically, branchial cysts are asymptomatic and slow-growing. They are usually discovered incidentally during routine physical examination or imaging studies. However, larger cysts or those that become infected or inflamed may cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, or difficulty swallowing. In some cases, these cysts may also become visibly enlarged or may drain fluid spontaneously through a sinus tract on the skin surface.
The management of branchial cysts typically involves surgical removal, as they rarely resolve spontaneously or respond to conservative treatments. Surgery is usually performed to excise the entire cyst, along with any associated sinus tracts or internal branches, to minimize the risk of recurrence. It is important to differentiate branchial cysts from other neck masses like lymph nodes, thyroglossal duct cysts, or cystic hygromas, as each may require a different approach to treatment.
Common Misspellings for BRANCHIAL CYSTS
- vranchial cysts
- nranchial cysts
- hranchial cysts
- granchial cysts
- beanchial cysts
- bdanchial cysts
- bfanchial cysts
- btanchial cysts
- b5anchial cysts
- b4anchial cysts
- brznchial cysts
- brsnchial cysts
- brwnchial cysts
- brqnchial cysts
- brabchial cysts
- bramchial cysts
- brajchial cysts
- brahchial cysts
- branxhial cysts
- branvhial cysts
Etymology of BRANCHIAL CYSTS
The word "branchial" is derived from the Greek word "brankhia", which means "gills". It refers to structures or organs related to the gills, which are found in some aquatic animals for respiration. The term "cysts" is derived from the Greek word "kystis", meaning "bladder" or "sac". In the context of medicine, a cyst refers to an abnormal sac or pouch-like structure that may contain fluid, semi-solid material, or gas. Therefore, "branchial cysts" are abnormal cystic formations that occur in the branchial apparatus, which is a developmental structure associated with the gills in certain vertebrates.
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