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J Neurol Surg B Skull Base 2013; 74(01): 050-053
DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1331020
Original Article
Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Nasopharyngeal Branchial Cysts—Diagnosis and Management: A Case Series

Daniel W. Flis
1   Department of Otolaryngology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
,
Richard O. Wein
1   Department of Otolaryngology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

03 July 2012

31 August 2012

Publication Date:
13 December 2012 (online)

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Abstract

Nasopharyngeal branchial cysts (NBCs) have been discussed in the literature in only a limited number of publications. Differing from Tornwaldt cysts, NBCs present laterally and arise from the fossa of Rosenmuller and may track superiorly within the bony confines of the Eustachian tube. Initially patients are asymptomatic but may present with aural fullness, unilateral conductive hearing loss, and serous otitis media as the cyst mass grows. Two of our three patients had the lesion incidentally identified at the time of assessment for another diagnosis. In this case series, imaging characteristics and response to treatment are reviewed. A literature search was performed to summarize the management options for this entity.

Keywords

nasopharyngeal branchial cysts - skull base - Tornwaldt cysts - mucus retention cysts - nasopharyngeal cysts - marsupialization
 

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