Second branchial cleft cyst classification
Bailey classification of 2nd branchial cleft cysts was initially described by Bailey in 1929 and provides a classification of 2nd branchial cleft cysts, dividing them into four types.
- type I: deep to platysma, anterior to sternocleidomastoid (SCM)
- type II: abutting internal carotid artery and adherent to internal jugular vein, (most common)
- type III: extention between internal and external carotid artery
- type IV: abutting pharyngeal wall and potentially extending superiorly to skull base
It is no longer used in practice, having been superceeded by the sensible approach of describing the lesion. However, It is worth noting this classification because it give a sense of the variablity in location and helps to frame a description.
