What is anterior neck mass?
A round and cystic mass within the anterior triangle of the neck is most likely a branchial cleft cyst in a person age 30 or younger. In a person over age 30, the mass should be considered malignant even if it looks to be a brachial cleft cyst on exam and imaging.
What causes anterior neck mass?
What Causes a Neck Mass? Neck masses are common in adults and can occur for many reasons. You may develop a neck mass due to a viral or bacterial infection. Ear or sinus infection, dental infection, strep throat, mumps, or a goiter may cause a neck mass.
Is a neck mass always cancer?
A neck mass may indicate a serious medical problem. It does not mean the patient has cancer, but it does mean they need more medical evaluation to make a diagnosis. Most persistent neck masses in adults are neoplasms, new and abnormal growths, and malignant growths far exceed any other.
Is lymphoma bilateral or unilateral?
NHL presented a unilateral localization in 84% of cases, and HLs were unilateral in 79% of cases. We found n = 12 cases (20%) of NHL with bilaterally affected tonsils.
Are most neck masses benign?
In general, neck masses in children are most commonly due to infection or congenital (meaning they were born with it—even if you have not noticed it since birth). In adults, while many neck masses are benign, there is a higher likelihood of cancer.
Can a neck mass be benign?
Benign neck masses are abnormal growths or irregularities occurring in the neck area that are not cancerous (malignant). They differ from cancerous growths in that they will not spread (metastasize) to other areas.
What is the most common neck mass?
Lymph nodes are located throughout the head and neck region and are the most common sites of neck masses. Fixed, firm, or matted lymph nodes and nodes larger than 1.5 cm require further evaluation.
What could a neck mass be?
Neck masses are common in adults and can occur for many reasons. You may develop a neck mass due to a viral or bacterial infection. A neck mass may also stem from an ear or sinus infection, dental infection, strep throat, mumps, or a goiter.
What are the most common types of benign anterior neck masses?
Introduction: The most common differential diagnoses of benign anterior neck mass are thyroid lesion, thyroglossal cyst, lymph nodes enlargement and dermoid cyst. Among all of neck masses, thyroid lesion either diffuse or multinodular carries majority of the cases.
What causes a mass on the neck?
The vast majority of infectious causes of neck masses is due lymphadenitis, otherwise known as inflamed lymph nodes due to infection somewhere else in the head and neck region. Lymphadenitis can occur ANYWHERE in the neck. If the lymphadenitis gets bad enough, a neck mass may turn into a neck abscess.
How is a neck mass evaluated?
Beginning with an understanding of neck anatomy, a thorough history and physical exam, this basic evaluation can become straightforward and well directed. Most neck masses are secondary to enlargement of lymph nodes.
What is a non-tender neck mass?
Non-tender neck masses present for more than two weeks are more likely to be neoplastic. Young adults with chronic non-tender nodal enlargements in the anterior or posterior triangle of the neck may have Hodgkin’s lymphoma.