Internal Jugular Vein Phlebectasia Masquerading as an External Laryngocele

Abstract

Otolaryngologists are frequently called on to evaluate patients with neck masses. In the pediatric population, the pathogenesis of a neck mass is more likely related to an underlying congenital anomaly, infection, and/or inflammation than to a malignancy. The character and location of a mass are particularly helpful in establishing a differential diagnosis, especially in children. We describe a child who had a neck mass with presenting signs and symptoms that mimicked other lesions on the basis of its location and character.