• Korean Journal of Head & Neck Oncology
• /
• v.31 no.2
• /
• pp.86-90
• /
• 2015

Cystic lymph node metastasis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC) which presumed to be mainly originated from oropharynx including Waldeyer's ring may present as a benign cystic mass on lateral neck such as branchial cleft cyst. Branchial cleft cyst is one of the most common lateral neck cystic mass which may result in regional infection or lymph adenopathy. Many of previously reported literatures showed the incidence of cystic lymph node metastasis from oropharynx including Waldeyer's ring. Preoperative imaging studies and fine needle aspiration cytology cannot provide the accurate results until excision of cystic mass for the diagnostic or therapeutic purpose. Recently, we experienced the rare case of cystic lymph node metastasis from ipsilateral tonsil, which mimicked infected 2nd branchial cleft cyst. Thus, we reported our experience with presentation of case and review of literatures.