Congenital nonvascular neck masses: a retrospective analysis.

Objective: Congenital nonvascular neck masses are a challenge in head and neck diagnosis and management. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical and epidemiologic findings in patients who were diagnosed with congenital nonvascular neck masses.

Study Design: All cases of patients with congenital nonvascular neck masses who were treated between 1996 and 2018 were reviewed. The following data were recorded: age, gender, final pathologic diagnosis (thyroglossal duct cysts, branchial cleft cysts, dermoid cysts), side of the lesion, subtype according to branchial arch (for branchial cleft cysts), and need for second surgery.

Results: In total, 226 patients were included: 100 with thyroglossal duct cysts, 97 with branchial cysts, and 29 with dermoid cysts. Excision surgery was performed in all cases. Recurrence and subsequent second surgery was necessary in 5 cases.

Conclusions: Appropriate knowledge of clinical and epidemiologic data regarding congenital nonvascular neck masses is crucial. Surgical resection is the optimal choice of therapy. Early referral of these patients to a head and neck surgeon is crucial for timely treatment.