Congenital cysts and fistulas of the face and neck: A Series of 72 Cases

Cervical cysts and fistulas are common congenital malformations in pediatric ENT practice. In our series, they accounted for 2.5% of consultations and 82% of cervicofacial congenital malformations. This is a retrospective study of 72 cases of cervicofacial cysts and fistulas. Epidemiological, clinical, paraclinical, therapeutic, and follow-up data were analyzed. A slight male predominance was observed, with a mean age of 10 years; 69% of patients were under 20 years old. Painless cervical swelling was the main presenting feature. Lesions were cervical in 90% of cases. Thyroglossal duct cysts were the most frequent form, followed by second branchial cleft cysts and preauricular sinus. Cervical ultrasound was the first-line investigation, supplemented by CT scan (35%), fistulography (10%), and direct laryngoscopy. Treatment consisted on complete surgical excision. Outcome was favorable in 91.67% of cases. The recurrence rate was 8.33%. No malignant transformation was observed.