title: Is this lump in the neck anything to worry about? .
abstract: Neck masses are common and often the result of self-limited inflammation or infection. Congenital masses and neoplasms are additional benign causes. However, a neck mass can signal a malignant tumor, so it is important to understand what represents an abnormal mass and to recognize warning signs and symptoms. Patients at risk of serious clinical problems may be identified through findings on history taking (e.g., progressive enlargement of the mass, prolonged hoarseness) and physical examination (e.g., unilateral nasal obstruction, intraoral induration). Suspicion of a malignant process calls for referral to a subspecialist in head and neck disorders.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of California, Irvine, College of Medicine, Orange 92868, USA.
authors.forename: W B
authors.initials: WB
authors.lastname: Armstrong
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Giglio
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000151:congenital / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes; D008199:Lymphadenitis / Q000175:diagnosis; D009333:Neck / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D010808:Physical Examination