Neck Lumps & Lumps in general

Question 1

How to differentiate intradermal from subcutaneous lumps?

Answer 1

Intradermal lumps: the skin cannot be drawn over the lump.

Subcutaneous lumps: the lump can be manipulated independently from the skin

Question 2

Give examples of intradermal lumps.

Answer 2

• Sebaceous cysts
• Abscess
• Granuloma
• Dermoid cysts

Question 3

Give examples of subcutaneous lumps.

Answer 3

• Ganglion
• Neuroma
• Lymph nodes
• Lipoma

Question 4

Where in the neck are thyroglossal cysts usually found at?

Answer 4

Midline, generally below the hyoid bone

Question 5

What are lipomas?
Describe the lump.
Is it subcutaneous or intradermal?

Answer 5

Lipomas are benign fatty lumps that occurs wherever fats can expand.
They have a smooth, imprecise margin, and are slightly fluctuant.
It is a subcutaneous lump and not tethered to the skin.

Question 6

How are thyroglossal cysts formed?

Answer 6

Thyroglossal cysts are formed from a persistent patent thyroglossal duct left over after the formation of the thyroid gland during developmental stages.

Question 7

Where are branchial cysts commonly found at?

Answer 7

Branchial cysts are commonly found in the anterior border of the sternocleidomastoid.

Question 8

What is the cause of branchial cyst formation?

Answer 8

Branchial cysts are formed due to non-disappearance of the cervical sinus. It is a birth defect.

Question 9

What is contained within a branchial cyst?

Answer 9

Fluid with cholesterol crystals.

Question 10

What is a cystic hygroma? What is the cause?

Answer 10

Cystic hygroma is a collection of fluid filled sacs known as cysts. It results from a malformation of the lymphatic system.

Question 11

Where can cystic hygromas be found?

Answer 11

Cystic hygroma can develop anywhere in the body.

Question 12

When does cystic hygroma usually present and how are they diagnosed?
At what age are most cystic hygromas diagnosed by?

Answer 12

Cystic hygroma presents in infants, and are usually diagnosed during scans in pregnancy. Most are diagnosed by age 2.

Question 13

What are dermoid cysts? Where does it occurs at?

Does it move with tongue protrusion?

Answer 13

Dermoid cysts are cysts formed along the lines of the embryological fusion. They are painless swellings that does not move with tongue protrusion.

Question 14

Who are usually affected with dermoid cysts?

Answer 14

Children and young adults.

Question 15

What is a laryngocoele?

Answer 15

A laryngocoele is a reducible tense mass that returns on sneezing or blowing the nose.

Question 16

Where are masses formed by subclavian artery aneurysms found?
Where can masses formed by carotid artery aneurysms be found?
What is a characteristic finding of such masses?

Answer 16

Subclavian artery aneurysms can be found in the posterior triangle.
Carotid artery aneurysms can be found in the anterior triangle.
They are pulsatile masses.

Question 17

Describe a lipoma. Where can they be found? Are lipoma intradermal or subcutaneous lumps?

Answer 17

Lipoma is a smooth painless mass found anywhere in the neck - anterior, posterior or midline.
It is an subcutaneous lump.

Question 18

Where on the neck can pharyngeal pouches be found?

Answer 18

In the posterior triangle.

Question 19

Which neck masses are reducible?

Answer 19

Laryngocoele, and pharyngeal pouches