Ectopic Salivary Gland and Sinus in the Lower Neck

A case report of ectopic salivary gland tissue in the lower neck is presented. This rare lesion should be included in the differential diagnosis of draining sinuses in the neck. It arises most probably by heteroplasia within remnants of the second branchial cleft. The clinical picture is one of drainage of clear secretion from a sinus in the lower anterolateral neck usually without a history of pain or infection. It shares several clinical features with the more commonly occurring branchial fistula, but it may be distinguished by its appearance on an x-ray contrast study. A correct preoperative diagnosis makes removal more simple and direct.