Clinical evaluation of non-thyroidal neck swellings

ABSTRACT

Introduction: This study was carried out to study the findings of fine needle aspiration cytology in non-thyroidal neck masses, to study histopathological findings and to determine the frequency of cervical node involvement in malignancy. Materials and methods: This case series was conducted in the Thanjavur Medical College Hospital, Thanjavur on in-patients as well as patients attending the out-patient’s department during the period from November 2017 to October 2018. All histology proven benign, malignant, congenital and inflammatory non-thyroidal neck swelling were included in the study. A thorough clinical examination was carried out and physical findings were recorded in details. The FNAC and histological findings were noted. A Performa was prepared to asses no-thyroidal neck swellings. Results: A total of 100 participants were included in the study Neck swellings especially with tuberculous adenitis and secondaries were more common among the lower socio-economic status. Tuberculous adenitis was the commonest non-thyroidal swellings found in the neck followed by secondary metastatic lymph nodes. Conclusion: FNAC is a simple non-invasive and easy to perform diagnostic method and biopsy is to be avoided until full investigation of the mass is completed.