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Non-thyroid neck masses in tropical Africans.
1Department of Surgery, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria.
Tropical and Geographical Medicine
|July 1, 1987
Summary
In Nigerian adults, tuberculosis is a common cause of neck masses under 30, while lymph node metastases are prevalent over 30. Primary lymphomas occur across all age groups, with congenital lesions being rare.
Area of Science:
- Otorhinolaryngology (ENT)
- Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Non-thyroid neck masses present a diagnostic challenge in various populations.
- Understanding the demographic and etiological variations of neck masses is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific causes of non-thyroid neck masses in a Nigerian cohort.
- To analyze the age-specific prevalence of different neck mass etiologies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of patient data presenting with non-thyroid neck masses.
- Categorization of masses by diagnosis and patient age.
Main Results:
- Tuberculosis was the leading cause (39%) of neck masses in Nigerians under 30.
- Lymph node metastases were the most common cause (29%) in individuals over 30.
- Primary lymphomas constituted 23% of all cases, with uniform distribution across age groups.
- Congenital lesions (e.g., cystic hygroma, thyroglossal duct cyst, branchial cysts) were infrequent.
Conclusions:
- Age is a significant factor in determining the etiology of non-thyroid neck masses in Nigerians.
- Tuberculosis is a key consideration for younger Nigerians, whereas metastatic disease dominates in older adults.
- Lymphomas represent a consistent proportion of neck masses irrespective of age.