Differential Diagnosis of Lateral Neck Masses

Abstract

Introduction: The neck and parapharyngeal space are one of the most vital regions in the body, encompassing multiple major blood vessels, nerves, spine and the airway itself. Lateral neck masses that present to an ENT practitioner may not only include a wide variety of differentials, but may present as emergencies in case of an airway compromise. In such situations, decision making and arriving at the diagnosis becomes important not only from a curative perspective but also from a lifesaving one. Here we discuss a few cases of lateral neck masses that had presented to us with unusual presentation or had a rare diagnosis, along with the line of management that was followed.
 Cases: We present a case of a giant pleomorphic adenoma presenting with stridor, an adult onset cystic hygroma, a schwannoma presenting with dyspnea, an isolated infiltrating lipoma and 2 other cases of schwannoma.
 Conclusion: Tumours of the neck and parapharyngeal region have a wide variety as this region contains almost every kind of tissue. Diagnosis of any lesion should be done with caution, using the appropriate history, examination and investigative tools available. Not only the common presentation, but also outliers and uncommon presentations of common tumours should be kept in mind.