Ultrasound Evaluation of Nonthyroidal Neck Masses

Abstract

Ultrasound evaluation of neck masses is a noninvasive method with good diagnostic accuracy. A proper knowledge of anatomy of neck with confident anatomical localisation of the masses and the understanding of ultrasound features of each disease entity can help in the diagnosis and at times narrow the differential diagnosis of the various neck masses. AIMS AND OBJECTIVESTo document and study the role of ultrasound in patients with nonthyroidal neck masses. To evaluate the various neck masses and differentiate benign and malignant masses based on their sonomorphology and correlate these with histopathology. MATERIALS AND METHODSIn our study, during a period of 2 yrs. (May 2013 to April 2015) 56 patients admitted in the General Surgery and E.N.T. wards with neck masses other than thyroidal masses were evaluated with ultrasound examination of neck. Our study included patients of age groups 6 months to 67 years with 37 male and 19 female patients. High resolution ultrasound examination of neck was done by 7.5 MHz linear array transducer on Esaote MyLab Classic C. OBSERVATIONS AND RESULTSOut of 56 pts., the most common age of presentation was 21-40 yrs. There were 37 male and 19 female patients. All the 56 patients had neck masses and the common associated symptom was pressure effect due to the mass. On ultrasound, the nature of lesions ranged from solid, cystic to mixed (25). Most of the cases were unilateral neck masses. Out of 56 cases, solitary neck masses (31) were predominant. In this study, the most common neck mass was metastatic lymphadenopathy. The anatomic location and known ultrasound features of the various masses was very helpful in the diagnosis of these lesions. CONCLUSIONUltrasound is a safe noninvasive modality in the diagnosis of neck masses with good diagnostic accuracy.