Unusual vascular lesions of the neck

Vascular lesions of the neck may initially appear atypically, without the expected findings of a bluish discoloration, pulsations, or a bruit. The initial characteristics may mimic that of a metastatic carcinoma. The true nature of the lesion may remain obscure, despite a thorough preoperative evaluation, including angiography. The head and neck surgeon must be aware of the occasional unusual appearance and must be prepared to treat whatever vascular lesion he might encounter.