A group of abnormalities involving elongated openings located on the sides of the neck of a fetus in the embryo stage of development. Branchial cleft abnormalities are cysts or tube like tracts produced by remnants of tissue from gill-like grooves on the fetus’s neck. Surgical removal of the cyst or tract is the preferred treatment. When there is acute inflammation of the area, the cyst is usually drained and antibiotic treatment is given to clear up the infection before surgery is performed.