Neck masses- a study of clinico-epidemiological and cytological profile

Abstract Background Swellings of the neck are a common presentation encountered by surgeons in outpatient settings, often prompting early medical attention due to their visibility and potential cosmetic concerns. Neck masses can range from reactive lymphadenitis to malignant lesions. Aim of the study This observational study aimed to investigate the clinical profile and etiopathology of neck masses within the Indian population. Methods Over a six-month period, patients presenting with neck swellings at the Department of ENT in a multi-speciality government hospital, Delhi, were included. 100 patients were included in the study. Detailed demographic data and presenting symptoms were recorded, along with local examination findings and cytological analysis using fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Results The study population predominantly consisted of individuals aged 21 to 30 (30%) and 11 to 20 (22%), with females comprising 68% of the total, male to female ratio being 0.6:1. The most common etiologies observed were infective or inflammatory (42%), followed by thyroid-related conditions (35%). Tubercular lymphadenitis was the most common among infective etiology, accounting for 36% of these cases. Notable variations were observed across age groups, with younger demographics showing higher prevalence of benign and inflammatory conditions, while older individuals presented with diverse etiologies including thyroid nodules and salivary gland tumors. Conclusion The age distribution data of patients presenting with neck masses provides valuable insights into the epidemiology and etiology of such conditions across different age groups. FNAC remains a valuable and cost-effective diagnostic tool for evaluating superficial and deep-seated lesions in the head and neck region. It offers reliable categorization of lesions due to its high sensitivity and specificity.