Incidence of Branchial Cysts in Otorhinolaryngology Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Branchial cysts are a challenge for family physicians and specialists. The anatomical location, consistency and age are determining factors in guiding the possible diagnosis.

Objective: To describe the incidence of branchial cysts in patients treated at the Otorhinolaryngology Service of the Salvadoran Social Security Institute.

Methods: Descriptive, observational, retrospective study of patients with branchial cysts, treated in the Otorhinolaryngology Service of the Salvadoran Social Security Institute, in the period from 2018 to 2022.

Results: A total of 14 patients were analyzed, of which it was found that 7 (50%) belonged to the female sex and the same number to the male. The average age found was 47.14 years. All the cases studied presented branchial cyst. The range with the highest frequency of cases of branchial cyst is between 40-49 years with 6 patients, while the range with the lowest age of cases of patients with branchial cyst is between 20-29 years and between 30-39 years with 1 patient each.

Conclusions: In tumors of the anterior part of the neck, the questioning must be exhaustive, specifying the evolution time, regardless of the patient's age. In this work it was demonstrated that in branchial cysts sex is not significant in their appearance. The treatment is surgical with removal of the cyst.