| pubmed-article:1336843 | pubmed:abstractText | The authors review the embryological, clinical and therapeutic aspects of congenital facial and cervical cysts (C) and fistulae (F), based on a personal series of 85 cases (facial: 18, latero-cervical: 29, mediocervical: 38) observed during a 5-year period. The facial forms are the result of an incomplete coalescence of the facial buds and most often present as helical F (17/18). Laterocervical C and F are due to abnormal evolution of branchial clefts; the main clinical forms are related to anomalies of the 2nd branchial cleft (24/29), usually presenting as sinus localized at the anterior border of the lower third of the sternocleidomastoid muscle (8) and amygdaloid cysts. Thyroglossal duct cysts are the most frequent of the medio-cervical C and F (35/38); they usually present as a mediocervical cyst in the thyro-hyoid space which may be revealed by an infection or a fistulization. The only appropriate treatment of congenital facial and cervical C and F is surgery providing that the resection is meticulous with complete resection of the fistula in order to avoid relapse. Complete resection also suppresses the risk of secondary malignant degeneration of amygdaloid and thyroglossal duct cysts. | lld:pubmed |
