Neck mass caused by thrombus in the external jugular vein

Area of Science:

• Vascular Surgery
• Head and Neck Pathology

Background:

• Lateral neck masses can present diagnostic challenges.
• Thrombosis of the external jugular vein is a rare cause of neck masses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present three cases of lateral neck masses caused by external jugular vein thrombosis.
• To discuss the potential etiologies and pathological findings associated with this condition.

Main Methods:

• Case series presentation.
• Microscopic examination of excised thrombosed external jugular veins.

Main Results:

• All three cases exhibited dilated, degenerated vein walls, resembling aneurysms.
• Vessel dilatation likely contributed to stasis and thrombus formation.
• The precise initiating factor for thrombosis remained undetermined, but minor trauma is suspected.

Conclusions:

• External jugular vein thrombosis is an important consideration in the differential diagnosis of lateral neck masses.
• Vessel wall abnormalities and potential minor trauma are likely contributing factors to thrombus formation.