Neck mass

Neck Mass is a medical condition characterized by an abnormal lump or swelling in the neck. It can be caused by a variety of conditions, ranging from benign (non-cancerous) to malignant (cancerous).

Causes

The causes of a neck mass can be categorized into congenital, inflammatory, neoplastic, and miscellaneous causes.

• Congenital causes include thyroglossal duct cyst, branchial cleft cyst, dermoid cyst, and cystic hygroma.
• Inflammatory causes include lymphadenitis, abscess, sialadenitis, and thyroiditis.
• Neoplastic causes include lymphoma, metastatic squamous cell carcinoma, thyroid carcinoma, and parotid gland tumor.
• Miscellaneous causes include lipoma, sebaceous cyst, hematoma, and aneurysm.

Symptoms

The symptoms of a neck mass can vary depending on the underlying cause. They may include:

• A visible lump or swelling in the neck
• Pain or discomfort in the neck
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Changes in voice
• Unexplained weight loss
• Night sweats or fever

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of a neck mass involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. Additional tests may include:

• Blood tests
• Imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI
• Biopsy of the mass

Treatment

The treatment of a neck mass depends on the underlying cause. It may include:

• Antibiotics for infections
• Surgery to remove the mass
• Radiation therapy or chemotherapy for cancerous masses

See Also

• Thyroid nodules
• Lymphadenopathy
• Head and neck cancer

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