Branchial Cleft Remnant?

Since birth, DS has had what looks like an adorable little dimple on his collar bone. I asked the ped about it yesterday and was told it was a Branchial Cleft Remnant and I needed to consult a pediatric surgeon. info about BCR

I'm wondering if anyone else has any experience with this? Thanks. We see the surgeon next week.

Otherwise, everything is great! DS is 13lbs even and 24" long at 2 months.

Re: Branchial Cleft Remnant?

i know he said its rare, but i was hoping someone else had been through it. oh well!

Re: Branchial Cleft Remnant?

I've never even heard of it.

Does he NEED surgery? What problems can it cause?

Re: Branchial Cleft Remnant?

I don't know if he def will NEED surgery... according to what i've read online, the #1 concern is infection (because it's an opening to the inside), but it has also led to tumors at the site in adults.

Guess I'll wait it out til next week and see what goes...

Re: Branchial Cleft Remnant?

My DD has it. Its not an indent though its almost like a pointy bump on her neck. We went to the surgeon and they said it was strictly cosmetic and we could remove it if we want to. He said it will probably get bigger as she grows but it is so unnoticeable why would I put her through surgery!! The main thing was to make sure there was no tube because what this is is a malformation of the brachial cavities. Basically embryos start of and have gills like fish that eventually develop into the brachial tube. There are different levels where they could be in the neck, and sometimes they don't close properly leaving a tube. Thats what they worry about because when you are sick it can drain into it and cause infection. I did a lot of research as you can see! I actually read that it is VERY common and some people don't even know they have it and it goes undiagnosed until adulthood. Goodluck at your doctors appointment! Hope this helps!!

Re: Branchial Cleft Remnant?

Thank you! So I guess she has the cyst, not the sinus...

I can only hope DS' is cosmetic as well!