Fistula of the third branchial arch

Abstract

Branchial anomalies are observed as cists, fistulas and sinuses. Branchial cleft fistulas are rare congenital anomalies that appear in the neck area. These are clinically diagnosed. Similar fistulas could be seen at every age from birth to adolescence. These kinds of anomalies are not selective for gender, and localization in the neck area. Such disorders are due to the incomplete obliteration of branchial apparatus during fetal development. As mentioned branchial cleft fistulas are not commonly observed, whereas bilateral types are even rare than unilateral types. Diagnosis and treatment of the bilateral branchial fistulas is presented in this article with the review of the literature.

Keywords

• branchial fistulas
• neck mass
• fistulogram.