Neck mass

Neck mass
Synonyms	Cervical mass, neck lump
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Swelling in the neck, pain, dysphagia
Complications	Airway obstruction, infection, malignancy
Onset	Varies depending on cause
Duration	Acute or chronic
Types	N/A
Causes	Infection, neoplasm, congenital conditions, thyroid disorders
Risks	Smoking, alcohol consumption, family history of cancer
Diagnosis	Physical examination, imaging studies (ultrasound, CT scan, MRI), biopsy
Differential diagnosis	Thyroid nodule, lymphadenopathy, branchial cleft cyst, thyroglossal duct cyst
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Depends on cause; may include antibiotics, surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Varies; benign conditions have good prognosis, malignant conditions depend on stage and type
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

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