This document discusses the differential diagnosis of neck swellings. It begins by defining a neck mass and differential diagnosis. It then describes the various structures that can cause swellings in the head and neck region, including lymph nodes, salivary glands, and muscles. The document outlines the approach to examining a neck mass, including inspecting for location, size, and color, and palpating for tenderness, size, and mobility. Radiographic investigations like MRI, CT, and ultrasound are discussed. Biopsy methods like fine needle aspiration are also summarized.

1. Differential diagnosis of
neck swellings
DR SUMER YADAV
MCH – PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGEON

2. Tutorial outcomes
Understand the differential diagnosis
(DDx)
Know the aetiology of head and neck
swellings
Know the investigation used in the
management process

3. Approach of the neck mass
The general definition of a neck mass is
any abnormal enlargement, swelling, or
growth from the level of the base of skull to
the clavicles .
Definition

4. What Is DDx ?
the distinguishing of a disease or
condition from others presenting with
similar signs and symptoms
Emil Kraepelin father of DDx

5. Head and neck swellings
 Numerous masses may develop in the head and
neck, and these may also be termed swellings,
growths, tumors, lumps, and bumps.
 Although some swellings are cancerous , many are
not.
 However, it is important to investigate if any
abnormal bump or swelling persists for more than
two weeks.

6. what type of structures found in the
head and neck region
 Lymph nodes
 Salivary glands
 Thyroid and parathyroid glands
 Thymus
 Potential spaces (fascia spaces)
 Skin ,fat , fascia, muscles, nerves, vessels,
bones

7. DDx of neck swellings

8. Approach of the neck mass

9. DDx of neck swellings based on the
anatomical site:

13. Symptoms Associated with Head &
Neck Lumps
 Change in the voice including hoarseness that
persists for more than two weeks
 Growth in the mouth
 Swollen tongue
Blood in the saliva or phlegm
 Swallowing problems

14. Management process
History
Clinical
examination
Radiographic
investigations
Biopsy

15. Approach of the neck mass
The anterior triangle is
delineated by :
1. The anterior border of the SCM laterally,
2. The midline medially,
3. The lower border of the mandible
superiorly.
The SCM divides each side of the
neck into two major triangles,
anterior and posterior.

16. Approach of the neck mass
The borders of the posterior
triangles are :
1. The posterior border of the SCM
anteriorly,
2. The clavicle inferiorly,
3. The anterior border of the trapezius
muscle posteriorly.

17. Approach of the neck mass
The thyroid gland : is usually
palpable in the midline below the
thyroid cartilage.
The parotid glands : are located
in the preauricular area on each side in
the lateral neck. The tail of each parotid
gland extends below the angle of the
mandible, inferior to the earlobe.

19. Approach of the neck mass
Submandibular glands : are
located within a triangle bounded by ….
the sternocleidomastoid muscle, the
posterior belly of the digastric muscle,
and the body of the mandible.
Lymph nodes : are
located throughout the head
and neck region .

20. Approach of the neck mass
The prominent landmarks of the
neck are :
1. hyoid bone,
2. Thyroid cartilage,
3. Cricoid cartilage,
4. Trachea,
5. Sternocleidomastoid muscles.

21. Approach of the neck mass
* Personal data :-
1. Age .
2. Sex .
3. Nationality .
* HPI :-
1. Duration . 2. Location .
3. Size . 4. How notice .
5. Painfull / painless . 6. Other masse .
7. Progression . 8. Trauma .

22. Approach of the neck mass
* Systemic Review :-
1. Symptoms of hypo. OR hyper. THYRODISM .
2. Symptoms which indicate malignancy .
3. Respiratory Symptoms .
4. GI Symptoms .
5. Symptoms which indicate infectious / inflammatory process . ( fever ,
wt loss , night sweat
6. Head & Neck Symptoms .
7. Compression Symptoms .

23. Approach of the neck mass
* General Examinations :-
1. Vital Signs .
2. General appearance of the pateint .
* Local Examination :-
1. Inspection :
a. site . b. shape .
c. color . d. relation to deglutition .
e. relation to tongue protrusion .

24. Approach of the neck mass
2. Palpation :
a. temperature . b. tenderness .
c. size . d. surface .
e. edge . f. consistence .
g. fluctuation . h. pulsatility .
i. relation to skin . j. mobility .
k. relation to underlying structures .

25. Approach of the neck mass
3. Percussion :
on the sternum for retrosternal extension of the thyroid .
4. Auscultation :
for bruits .

26. Approach of the neck mass
* Complete Head & Neck Examination :
1. look to the head for any mass or ulcer .
2. examine L.N.

27. Approach of the neck mass
3. examine thyroid .
4. ear , nose & throat examination .

28. Approach of the neck mass
6. laryngoscope .
5. Mouth examination .
7. esophagi scope .

32. Summary of examination
 Examination of some masses / swelling may allow a physician to determine their
cause based on location, size, and consistency.
 In other cases, however, additional tests may be required.
 Changes in the skin – It is important to examine changes in the skin that could
indicate basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell cancer, and malignant melanoma.
 Persistent Ear Pain or ear pain while swallowing may be a symptom of infection
or a growth in the throat.

33. Radiographic Investigation of the Head
and Neck Masses
 MRI – Magnetic Resonance Imaging can clearly
highlight soft tissue pathologies better than the C.T. Scan.
 It uses a magnetic field rather than x-rays (radiation).

34. Radiographic Investigation of the Head
and Neck Masses
 CT SCAN – Computed tomography is
less accurate than M.R.I for the soft
tissue examination
 very useful to locate bony tumors and
their dimensions and extensions.
 C.T with contrast is used to enhance
the visibility of abnormal tissue during
examination.

35. Radiographic Investigation of the Head
and Neck Masses
 PET (Positron Emission Tomography)
and SPECT (Single Photon Emission
Tomography) are useful after diagnosis
to help determine the grade of a tumor or
to distinguish between cancerous and
dead or scar tissue.
 They involve injection with a
radioactive tracer.

36. Modality Basic Indications
Ultrasound Good for pediatric neck masses, thyroid masses. Differentiates cystic versus solid.
Computed tomography
Workhorse imaging modality for adult neck masses. Provides three-dimensional
relationships, excellent detail of mucosal disease and involvement of adjacent bone.
Magnetic resonance imaging
Superior soft tissue delineation. Good for lesions of the salivary glands and tongue
(where dental amalgam may obscure the view on a CT). Modality of choice for
determining nerve enhancement. Consider for thyroid imaging in cases necessitating
radioiodine.
Radionuclide scanning
Useful for midline lesions in children—differentiates functioning from nonfunctioning
tissue.
Positron emission tomography
Useful for staging of head and neck malignancies. Can be used in cases of unknown
primary malignant neck masses or treated neck disease.
Angiography/magnetic resonance
angiography/computed tomography angiography
Useful for lesions encasing the carotid and vascular lesions. Conventional angiography
should be considered for preoperative assessment in cases of potential carotid artery
sacrifice or where embolization is required.

37. Biopsy
 F.N.A.C – Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy is
 Safe
 Rapid
 Inexpensive
 Presurgical planning
 Avoids open biopsy

39. Treatment modalities
Medical
Surgical
Radiotherapy

40. Thank
s