Differential Diagnosis for Neck Cyst
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Branchial cleft cyst: This is a common congenital anomaly that presents as a cystic mass in the neck, often related to the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. It is usually diagnosed in childhood or early adulthood.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Thyroglossal duct cyst: A congenital anomaly resulting from the remnants of the thyroglossal duct, which typically presents as a midline neck mass.
- Dermoid cyst: A type of teratoma that can occur in the neck, containing elements from all three germ layers.
- Epidermoid cyst (sebaceous cyst): A benign cystic lesion that can occur in the neck, often filled with keratinous material.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Metastatic cystic neck mass: Although less common, a cystic neck mass could be a metastasis from a primary malignancy, such as squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Missing this diagnosis could have significant implications for treatment and prognosis.
- Infected cyst or abscess: An infected branchial cleft cyst, thyroglossal duct cyst, or other type of cyst could present with signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, and tenderness.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Cystic hygroma (lymphangioma): A rare congenital malformation of the lymphatic system that can present as a cystic mass in the neck.
- Cystic teratoma: A type of germ cell tumor that can occur in the neck, containing elements from all three germ layers.
- Plunging ranula: A type of mucous cyst that originates from the floor of the mouth and can extend into the neck, presenting as a cystic mass.