Second Branchial Sinus vs. Neck Tag

Left picture: In this patient the orifice of a second branchial sinus is visible. The sinus continues in the depth and may lead to inflammatory complications. Right picture: This pathology is localized superficially in and underneath the skin, but may have the parents worried, and is disturbing esthetically. The diagnosis is a neck tag (neck skin appendage), which is a non-resolved branchial arche residue.

Both pathologies, which have been recognized in the neonatal period or in infancy by attentive parents, or which attract attention on preventive general examinations, are congenital malformations. Left picture: A small opening is visible from which occasionally emerges some secretion. Right picture: Here, no orifice is visible, but a appendage which is covered by skin.