Where is a branchial cleft cyst typically located?

A branchial cleft cyst is typically found in the lateral neck region. It originates from the remnants of branchial clefts that do not fully develop or regress during embryonic development. As such, these cysts are most commonly seen along the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, hence their lateral neck positioning.

In comparison, other areas mentioned such as the medial neck, submandibular region, and intraoral locations are less common for branchial cleft cysts. Medial neck cysts might be associated with other structures or developmental anomalies, submandibular cysts typically relate to different causes, such as salivary gland pathology, and intraoral sites would usually involve other types of cysts or lesions not related to branchial clefts. The hallmark location for a branchial cleft cyst, due to its developmental origins, makes the lateral neck an essential identifier for diagnosis.