A 50-year-old male, chronic tobacco chewer, presented with right-sided lateral neck cyst. Initial imaging and FNAC were inconclusive, raising concerns for malignancy. Histopathology of the excised specimen confirmed a lymphoepithelial cyst. This case underscores the diagnostic conundrum posed by the misnomer “branchial cyst” and the necessity for comprehensive evaluation, to ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.