A rare case of a branchial cyst with calcification: A case report

Abstract

Branchial cysts are relatively rare lesions with lymphoid tissue in the underlying epithelium of the cyst wall. The present study describes the case of a branchial cyst with keratinization and calcification that occurred in the right submandibular region, along with a review of the literature. A 49-year-old female patient presented with a complaint of swelling in the right submandibular region. Computed tomography revealed a well-defined, cystic lesion located anterior to the sternocleidomastoid muscle, outside the hyoid bone, and in front of the submandibular gland. The cystic cavity presented an opaque image suggestive of calcification. Magnetic resonance imaging showed high-intensity lesions on both T2-weighted and short-τ inversion recovery images on the anterior margin of the right sternocleidomastoid muscle, just below the platysma muscle, with a clear demarcation from the surrounding tissue, and posterior compression and flattening of the submandibular gland. Cystectomy was performed under general anesthesia, and histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of branchial cyst with keratinized and calcified substances. The patient recovered well and had no complications or recurrence at ~2-year follow-up. This case highlights the rare occurrence of a branchial cyst containing calcification in the cystic cavity and provides a literature review of the factors contributing to the calcification.