Pathological Distribution of Lateral Neck Tumors – A Radiological Evaluation

Abstract

Background: The head and neck constitute a broad anatomic region, which encompasses many aero digestive, salivary gland, lymphatic, endocrine, nervous, and vascular structures. A substantial number of the pathologic conditions affecting these organ systems are accessible to ultrasound imaging. In combination with fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), ultrasonography (USG) remains an indispensable tool for the clinician who works in this clinical arena. Aim: In view of the above, this study was undertaken to analyze the pathological distribution of lateral neck tumors by ultrasonographic evaluation taking FNAC examination as the gold standard. Methods: A prospective, cross-sectional prevalence study was conducted in a medical college and hospital in a rural setup in West Bengal, India, among patients attending the radiology outpatient department with lateral neck tumors. After estimating the sample size, 110 patients were included in this study. All the selected patients underwent USG evaluation, followed by FNAC. Both the USG and FNAC data were collected, tabulated, compared, and analyzed. Results: The overall frequency of lateral neck masses was more in males (60%) compared to females (40%). In the present study, a majority of the cases were neck nodes in the jugulodigastric chain. Out of these lymph nodes, the predominant pathology was tubercular lymph nodes (TBLN) with 52.81% relative frequency. Conclusion: This study has concluded that TBLN are the most common lateral neck tumors followed by metastatic neck nodes.