Neck Masses: Clinico-Radio-Pathological Evaluation

Neck masses are defined as any swelling or enlargement of the structures in between the inferior border of mandible and clavicle and are a common clinical finding that can be encountered in patients of all age groups. There are many potential causes of neck masses so it is important to proceed in affordable, easy available and cost effective diagnostic technique for the proper and early diagnosis of neck masses. As there is very few study data available over clinico-radio-pathological analysis of neck masses, that's why this study is done. The present study has been carried out on 200 patients with clinically palpable neck masses presenting at ENT department in a tertiary care hospital. Neck swellings were classified into four main headings i.e. Lymph node swelling, Thyroid swelling, Salivary gland swellings and Skin and soft tissue swelling. After taking detailed history followed by complete General, Local and ENT examination, FNAC was done followed by USG. We came to the conclusion that neck masses have very variable presentations, and FNAC is a riskless, easy and fast tool which can be used in forming a diagnosis and appropriate management of neck masses.