Keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma originated in a branchial cyst

A branchial cyst is a congenital lesion that is caused by a defect in the obliteration of the branchial arches whose epithelial component could be the origin of a squamous cell carcinoma. It is located in the lateral region of the neck. It is considered a rare condition. This study presents the case of a 52-year-old patient with a volume increase in the left lateral part of the neck (level II), with a rounded shape. It was mobile, painless and with a hard elastic consistency, although on palpation it was renitent and had an approximate diameter of 4 cm. Exeresis of the tumor was performed. The anatomopathologic and immunohistological study showed a keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma of cystic morphology and cervical location that corresponded to a primary carcinoma originated in a branchial cyst. Nowadays the patient is asymptomatic, under strict follow-up and with oncospecific treatment.