University:
Western Sydney University
Course:
MEDI 2003 | Clinical Sciences 2
Academic year:

2024
Views:

472

Pages:

1
Author:

Mariam A. A.

Anterior Neck Swelling Differentials 1. Thyroid Disorders: The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck and can give rise to various conditions. These include: • Thyroid Nodule: A localized lump or enlargement within the thyroid gland, which can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Imaging studies, such as ultrasound, may be required to evaluate the nature of the nodule. • Goiter: An enlarged thyroid gland, often caused by an underlying thyroid disorder like iodine deficiency, Graves' disease, or Hashimoto's thyroiditis. It can cause a visible and palpable swelling in the neck. • Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland, which can be due to infectious or autoimmune causes. This condition can cause pain, tenderness, and swelling in the neck. 2. Lymphadenopathy: Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck can be caused by various factors, including: • Infection: Local or systemic infections, such as strep throat, mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr virus), or tuberculosis, can lead to the enlargement of nearby lymph nodes. • Lymphoma: Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, and it can manifest as swollen lymph nodes in the neck. • Metastatic Cancer: Certain cancers, such as head and neck cancer or thyroid cancer, can spread to the lymph nodes in the neck, causing their enlargement. 3. Salivary Gland Disorders: The salivary glands, including the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands, can develop various conditions, such as: • Salivary Gland Infection: Bacterial or viral infections, such as mumps or sialadenitis (inflammation of the salivary gland), can cause swelling and pain in the affected gland. • Salivary Gland Stones: The formation of calcified stones within the salivary glands can obstruct the flow of saliva, leading to glandular swelling and pain, particularly in the submandibular glands. • Salivary Gland Tumors: Both benign (such as pleomorphic adenoma) and malignant (such as mucoepidermoid carcinoma) tumors can arise within the salivary glands, resulting in a visible mass or swelling in the neck.