Neck Flashcards
What lymph nodes are present in the neck and what do they drain?
Parotid nodes - scalp, face & parotid gland
Occipital nodes - scalp
Superficial cervical nodes - breast & solid viscera
Deep cervical nodes - final drainage pathway to thoracic duct
Submandibular nodes - tongue, nose, paranasal sinuses, submandibular gland, oral cavity
Submental nodes - lips, floor of mouth
Supraclaviculas nodes - breast, oesophagus, solid viscera
Which investigation is the first step in investigating any lumps in the head and neck?
Fine needle aspiration cytology
Give three potential causes of lymphadenopathy
Infection
Inflammation
Malignancy
What is the role of the thyroid gland?
Endocrine gland
Secretes thyroid hormone and calcitonin
What is the role of calcitonin?
Calcitonin acts to lower calcium and raise phosphate
Give the four types of thyroid cancer
Papillary
Follicular
Medullary
Anaplastic
Which three pathologies cause diffuse thyroid enlargement as a symptom?
Colloid goitre
Grave’s disease
Thyroiditis
What are the indications for a thyroidectomy? What is the main risk?
Airway obstruction Malignancy or suspected malignancy Thyrotoxicosis Cosmesis Retrosternal extension
Risk: damage to vocal chords
What are the indications for a thyroidectomy? What is the main risk?
Airway obstruction Malignancy or suspected malignancy Thyrotoxicosis Cosmesis Retrosternal extension
Risk: damage to vocal chords
What are the potential complications of thyroidectomy?
Bleeding-primary or secondary Voice hoarseness Thyroid storm Infection Hypoparathyroidism Hypothyroidism Scar (keloid/ hypertrophic)
Name the four fascial layers of the neck
Pre-tracheal
Pre-vertebral
Deep cervical
Carotid sheath
Name the main cartilages of the neck
Epiglottis Thyroid cartilage Cricoid cartilage Arytenoid cartilage Corniculate cartilage
What forms the “Adam’s apple”?
Laryngeal prominence of the thyroid cartilage
