NECK SWELLINGS WHICH MIMIC BRANCHIAL CYSTS IN HIV-POSITIVE PATIENTS

A retrospective review of over 700 HIV-positive patients referred to t he ENT department at St Mary's Hospital was undertaken. This revealed nine patients whose initial presentation was due to an upper neck swel ling. The clinical and cytological results are discussed as well as co nsideration of the similarity of these lesions to branchial cysts, and the implication of the involvement of lymphoid tissue in the aetiolog y of branchial cysts. With the increasing incidence of HIV infection i t is important that patients with these lesions are investigated appro priately before any surgery is contemplated.