Abstract
Amygdaloid cysts are benign dysembryologic cystic tumors developing in the anterolateral portion of the neck. They account for 2% of all neck tumors located in the laterocervical region. They mostly result from branchial cleft abnormalities, accounting for 6.1-85.2% of all second branchial cleft abnormalities. They are due to the persistence of the cervical sinus during the differentiation of the branchial apparatus. They manifest as a laterocervical swelling in the anterior edge of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. The diagnosis of cyst is confirmed by ultrasound and CT scan. Treatment is based on surgical resection. We here report the case of a 24-year old woman presenting with voluminous left laterocervical swelling evolving over the past 3 years without any associated symptoms. Exploratory cervicotomy with anatomopathological examination were performed. The histologic diagnosis of amygdaloid cyst with no sign of malignancy was retained. This study aims to analyze the anatomoclinical features and to discuss the therapeutic options for the management of this disease.