Neck Lumps

Question 1

possible causes of superficial neck swelling

Answer 1

sebaceous cysts, lipomas, neurofibromas

Question 2

possible causes of midline swelling

Answer 2

thyroid, thyroglossal cysts, dermoid cyst

Question 3

possible causes of swellings in the anterior triangle

Answer 3

lymph nodes, branchial cysts, salivary glands and carotid body tumours

Question 4

possible causes of swelling in the posterior triangle

Answer 4

lymph nodes, cystic hygroma

Question 5

what are you looking for on inspection of the neck?

Answer 5

deformities, abnormal movements, skin changes (scars, pigmentation, rashes, naevi and swellings)

Question 6

if you find a neck lump what is important to note?

Answer 6

position, size, shape, mobility, consistency, lymphadenopathy

Question 7

investigating cervical lymphadenopathy?

Answer 7

chest X-ray, ENT, FNA

Question 8

describe a thyroglossal cyst

Answer 8

can appear anywhere in the thyroglossal tract, moves with the tongue, teenagers

Question 9

describe a dermoid cyst

Answer 9

rare, congenital, teenagers, soft and non fluctuant

Question 10

describe a branchial cyst

Answer 10

found in upper anterior triangle, teenagers, half filled hot water bottle

Question 11

what would you see from the FNA biopsy of a branchial cyst

Answer 11

cholesterol crystals

Question 12

describe a cystic hygroma

Answer 12

usually present within 1st year, can be large and have pressure symptoms, filled with lymph and transilluminate