ABSTRACT

Branchiogenic carcinoma is an extremely rare condition, with its diagnosis being contentious and is of much debate till date. Due to its vexed clinicopathological entity, a meticulous histopathological examination is essential. Various criteria have been laid out to ensure that the exact diagnosis of branchiogenic carcinoma can be established. We report a 37-year-old male presented with unilateral left sided neck cystic swelling of almost one-year duration, which had gradually increased in size. Imaging showed three cysts altogether in which he underwent surgical excision of three cystic lesions. Histopathological examination showed possibility of a branchiogenic squamous cell carcinoma and the patient completed adjuvant radiotherapy. He was disease-free after 2 years under regular surveillance. Despite the history and clinical examination being strongly suggestive of a benign cervical disease, the differential of a more sinister entity such as branchiogenic carcinoma or cervical cystic metastatic squamous cell carcinoma should be considered. Exclusion of any primary elsewhere in the upper aerodigestive tract is of utmost importance.