The transverse mega-apophysis--An unusual neck lump.
Although detection of a calcified structure in the neck may indicate an underlying infective or neoplastic process, it may also, as in this case, represent a variation of normal skeletal anatomy. The danger of such skeletal anomalies is that they may be referred for investigations such as fine needle aspiration and, when this is unsuccessful, subsequent open biopsy examination. Ultrasound is recommended as a first line investigation.
Pepper
T
T
Queen Alexandra Hospital, Portsmouth, United Kingdom.
Singh
M
M
Brennan
P A
PA
D000328:Adult; D002574:Cervical Vertebrae / Q000002:abnormalities* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009333:Neck / Q000473:pathology*; D011859:Radiography; D014463:Ultrasonography