[Mass in the neck--the view of the ENT specialist].
A swelling in the neck is a common finding. Underlying causes may be enlarged lymph nodes and cysts, but also benign and malignant tumors. The clinical presentation, however, often gives rise to a fear of a malignant process. In children, more than 95% of such swellings are due to infection. In adults older than 40, however, a malignant tumor may be expected in more that 50% of the cases. Sine early detection is associated with a good prognosis, every mass in the neck must be considered to be potentially malignant. In particular when there is additional difficulty in swallowing or hoarseness, indicative of concomitant involvement of the airways or upper alimentary canal, a further careful diagnostic workup is indicated. Cervical lymph nodes measuring appreciably more than 1 cm in diameter, or additional fever, night sweats or loss of weight must immediately prompt the diagnostic steps necessary to diagnose a malignant lymphoma or carcinoma.
Dellian
Marc
M
Klinik und Poliklinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Klinikum der Universität München, Grosshadern. dellian@med.uni-muenchen.de
D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006689:Hodgkin Disease / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007012:Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis; D008199:Lymphadenitis / Q000175:diagnosis*; D008207:Lymphatic Metastasis; D010036:Otolaryngology; D010348:Patient Care Team; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000175:diagnosis*