Cervical Nodes: When to Worry and What to do. Donna Sutherland MD, FRCSC CancerCare Manitoba, Head and Neck Surgery University of Manitoba, Department of Otolaryngology
Objectives Be familiar with various types of masses that present in the neck Give a differential diagnosis of a neck mass Know the risk factors for Head and Neck cancer Be aware of the historic and clinical features concerning for malignancy Describe the appropriate clinical work-up of a neck mass
History Location Onset / Duration Assoc. pain Fluctuation in size Single or multiple Fever, chills, sweats Weight loss H & N cancer risk factors - smoking, alcohol use H & N Symptoms - hoarseness - dysphagia,, odynophagia - throat pain - cough - FB sensation - bleeding - otalgia
Physical Exam Location Size Consistency Mobility fixed? - moves w/swallowing? - moves w/tongue protrusion? Full Head and Neck Exam - scalp, skin - ears, nose - nasopharynx - oral cavity - oropharynx - larynx - cranial nerves - neck exam
Physical Exam Have a system for your examination The neck can be broken down into regions Anatomical triangles Named lymph node groups Numbered lymph node regions
Neck Masses I. Neoplasms II. Infections A. Benign III. Congenital B. Malignant IV. Miscellaneous
II. Infections A. Abscess 1. Suppurative lymph node 2. Deep neck space abscess B. Cervical lymphadenitis 1. Bacterial 2. Granulomatous 3. Viral Treat cervical adenitis with Antibiotics only if evidence of a bacterial infection is found on clinical exam.
III. Congenital Masses A. Thyroglossal Duct Cyst - midline B. Branchial Cleft Cyst - lateral C. Dermoid - midline Treatment Surgical excision
I. Neoplasms A. Benign - benign thyroid gland tumors - benign salivary gland tumors - lipomas - schwannomas (nerve sheath) - vascular tumors
Salivary Gland Disease Inflammatory - sialadenitis - sialolithiasis (calculi /stone) Neoplastic - benign - malignant
Vascular Tumors Paragangliomas (Glomus tumors) Hemangioma Lymphangioma Arteriovenous malformations
I. Neoplasms B. Malignant 1. Primary - Lymphoma - Thyroid carcinoma - Salivary gland carcinoma - Sarcoma 2. Metastatic - Head & Neck primary - Infraclavicular primary
Head and Neck Cancer Most common histology Squamous cell carcinoma Most common sites - Oral cavity Larynx
Head & Neck Cancer Etiology: Smoking and alcohol
Head & Neck Cancer Epidemiology: Risk increases with age, males > females
Head & Neck Cancer Common Presenting Symptoms Larynx Hoarseness, throat pain, ear pain, dysphagia,, odynophagia Oral cavity Growth with ulceration - pain & tenderness Neck mass - Spread to lymph nodes (WORRY) ** Investigate oral lesion, throat symptom, or neck mass present > 4 weeks
Oral Cancer (Squamous cell carcinoma)
Benign oral growths Fibroma Papilloma Mucocele Leukoplakia
Benign oral ulcers Traumatic Aphthous ulcer (Canker sore)
Relationship Between Age and Neck Mass Etiology Pediatric (0-15yrs) Congenital>Inflammatory>>Neoplastic Young Adult (15-50) 50) Inflammatory>Congenital>>Neoplastic Older Adult (50+ yrs) Neoplastic(malignant)>Inflammatory>> Congenital
When to (Worry About) Investigate a Neck Node - Neck Node >1.5-2 2 cm - persistent adenopathy > 4 weeks - neck node in patient with no preceding history of URTI or H&N infection - neck node or upper AD complaint not explained by clinical exam (older, smoker, EtOH)
Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy ** The single most useful diagnostic test for a neck mass**
Evaluation of a Neck Mass Warning: ** DO NOT PERFORM AN INCISIONAL BIOPSY OF A NECK MASS **
Imaging for a Neck Mass CT scan MRI scan Ultrasound Plain x-raysx Sialogram Thyroid nuclear scan Angiography
Take Home Points Use a headlight and free up both hands to perform a head and neck exam The most useful investigation for a neck mass after your history and physical is a FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION BIOPSY Do not perform an incisional biopsy on a neck mass prior to a FNA biopsy Do not treat an unexplained H&N symptom or neck mass with repeated courses of antibiotics
Head and Neck Cancer - Key Points Histology - Squamous Cell Carcinoma Etiology - Smoking / Alcohol Common sites - Oral cavity & larynx Common presenting symptoms Oral growth / ulcer Hoarseness, throat pain, ear pain, odynophagia Neck mass Consider the diagnosis Biopsy Biopsy oral / pharyngeal lesions Fine Needle Biopsy of Neck Masses
So, When to Worry? Cervical node >1.5 2 cm, present for >4 weeks Cervical node with no preceding history of URTI or H&N infection Persistent voice, throat or swallowing complaint not explained by physical exam