Neck lumps conditons

Question 1

Cervical lymphadenopathy present for less than 3 weeks is likely to be due to what?

Answer 1

Infection

Question 2

What lymph node malignancies are primary?

Answer 2

Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas, Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia, Acute lymphocytic leukaemia

Question 3

Why does cervical lymphadenopathy in over 50s with suggestive history warrant abdominal examination?

Answer 3

Hepatosplenomegaly suggests lymphoma

Question 4

What are red flags regarding neck lumps?

Answer 4

> 6 week duration, increase in size, >2cm, splenomegaly, night sweats, weight loss

Question 5

What type of tumour makes up 80% of salivary gland tumours?

Answer 5

Parotid tumours, of these, 80% are pleomorphic adenomas

Question 6

Symptoms of parotid tumours?

Answer 6

Pain due to haemorrhage or supporation into mass.
Features that indicate malignancy: facial nerve palsy, hardness/fixation/tenderness of mass, invasion into surrounding structures, overlying skin ulceration

Question 7

What is the first line of investigation for parotid tumours?

Answer 7

USS

Question 8

What is the most common cause of salivary gland swellings?

Answer 8

Salivary gland stones/sialoliths - build up of crystallized saliva deposits, pain and swelling follow blockage of saliva flow. Infection likely unless blockage cleared

Question 9

What is Sjorgren’s syndrome?

Answer 9

Chronic autoimmune disease in which cells of a person’s immune system attack the salivary and other moisture producing glands leading to dry mouth and eyes. Can cause bilateral enlarged painless salivary glands