J Korean Med Assoc.  2006 Mar;49(3):239-252.

Differential Diagnosis of Head and Neck Mass Lesions

• Chang HS

Abstract

For the differential diagnosis of head and neck mass lesions, the age and presenting locations should be the primary considerations. The characteristic patterns of age- and sitepredilection allow a diagnostic work-up and treatment plans for the patients with head and neck mass lesions. In children and young adults, the underlying causes are; inflammatory, congenital and developmental, and neoplastic masses in decreasing frequency. By contrast, neoplastic diseases are most frequent in the elderly. Because of the characteristic lymphatic spread patterns of head and neck diseases, the location of the mass in the cervical lymphatic nodal chain may be the key for the identification and differential diagnosis of the primary disease site. Besides, the evaluation of specific historical and physical findings is mandatory for the accurate diagnosis. When the signs of inflammation are associated, conservative treatment and observation is first considered. On the other hand, for persistent or progressively enlarging masses and those with suspicious findings of malignancy, surgical intervention should be considered.

Keyword

Head and neck masses; Differential Diagnosis; Age group; Location

MeSH Terms

Aged
Child
Diagnosis
Diagnosis, Differential*
Hand
Head*
Humans
Inflammation
Neck*
Young Adult

Figure

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  Figure 1 Clinical description of the location in neck

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  Figure 2 Classification of neck nodes group in neck: A) Classification of MD Anderson Cancer Center B) Classification of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center

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