Describe the differential diagnosis, clinical signs and investigations relevant to neck lumps. Differentials Reactive lymphadenopathy Carotid body tumours Sarcoidosis Traumatic -> hematoma Thyroid Diseases Congenital e.g. thyroglossal cysts and brachial cysts Reactive lymphadenopathy Clinical features: Palpable lymph nodes Infections Fever Investigations U/S Biopsy and histology Imaging Fine needle aspiration Carotid Body tumours Clinical features Painless, slow growing masses in the neck. May cause cranial nerve compression -> hoarseness and dysphagia. Investigations U/S -> assesses vascularity and size. CT or MR for anatomical evaluation. Biopsy for histopathological diagnosis. Sarcoidosis Clinical features Enlarged, firm and non-tender lymph nodes. Systemic features: Fatigue Weight loss Skin lesions -> erythema nodosum. Investigation Chest x ray to assess mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Traumatic hematoma Clinical features Recent injury of surgery Swelling Brusing Tenderness Investigations U/S or hematoma to confirm diagnosis. Thyroid Diseases Clinical features Thyroid enlargement Thyroid nodules. Hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism features Investigations Thyroid function tests Ultrasound Fine needle aspiration. Congenital Neck Cysts Clinical features Painless Mobile neck masses Usually, midline for thyroglossal cysts and lateral for brachial cysts. Investigations Imaging -> U/S and CTs