Work

Isolated facial pain as the sole presentation of a type I branchial cleft cyst in an adult male

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: First branchial cleft cysts (FBCCs) are rare developmental anomalies that typically present in childhood. We report a unique case of a Type I FBCC in a 43-year-old male whose only symptom was isolated facial pain without infection or mass. Imaging and biopsies were inconclusive, prompting surgical excision for definitive diagnosis and symptomatic relief. Histopathology confirmed a branchial cleft anomaly. This case highlights the importance of including congenital anomalies in the differential diagnosis for atypical facial pain even in the adult population and underscores the value of a thorough and multi-disciplinary diagnostic workup.

Source: American Journal of Otolaryngology

DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2025.104762

Authors: Darien B. Reed, Robert J. Macielak, Oliver F. Adunka, Yufan Lin, Nolan B. Seim

Institutions: The Ohio State University, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

Language: English

Topic: Head and Neck Anomalies

Subfield: Surgery

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,630