‘Hairy polyp’ of the pharynx in association with an ipsilateral branchial sinus: evidence that the ‘hairy polyp’ is a second branchial arch malformation

Abstract

The pharyngeal ‘hairy polyp’, or ‘dermoid’ has caused considerable debate as to its origin since the original classification proposed by Arnold in 1870.1 This classification implies that the hairy polyp is either a teratoma or sequestration dermoid cyst. Many papers contest this view, in favour of a developmental malformation. We describe the first case of a hairy polyp in association with an ipsilateral branchial sinus as further supportive evidence of a developmental malformation of the second branchial arch.