Author/Editor		Lanišnik, Boštjan; Didanovič, Vojko; Čizmarevič, Bogdan
Title		First branchial cleft anomaly, a case for misdiagnosis
Type		članek
Source		Wien Klin Wochenschr
Vol. and No.		Letnik 116, št. Suppl 2
Publication year		2004
Volume		str. 72-4
Language		eng
Abstract		First branchial cleft anomaly is a rare condition that is often misdiagnosed and falsely mistreated before complete and definitive surgical treatment. Its origin is uncertain and the presence of ectodermal and sometimes also mesodermal elements has led some authors to the conclusion that it represents buried nests of cells forming the first branchial cleft and the underlying mesoderm. First branchial cleft anomaly can be presented as a cystic lesion, fistula or sinus extending towards the membranous external ear canal. The sinus tract runs through the parotid gland in close association with the facial nerve. There is no imaging method capable of identifying a first branchial cleft anomaly with certainty. The danger of facial nerve injury during surgery and the failure to identify the sinus tract running to the external ear canal are the main reasons for incomplete excision. The facial nerve must be identified and preserved and the lesion completely excised. Facial nerve injury is more common in attempts to remove recurrent branchial cleft lesions.
Descriptors		BRANCHIAL REGION BRANCHIOMA HEAD AND NECK NEOPLASMS CHILD, PRESCHOOL EAR NEOPLASMS TOMOGRAPHY, X-RAY COMPUTED MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING