Prevalence of neck masses in Salahaddin government

Abstract

Over a period lasting from February 2006 to October 2007, a description study of 146 patients from (both sex) with neck masses, were divided into two age groups: - pediatric age group (S 15 years), & adult age group (> 15-66 years). Diagnosis of neck mass was done depending on clinical examination, radiological examination & FNAC. Neck mass was seen in 33.6 % in pediatric age group (S 15 years), while the remainder 66.4% of the total cases, seen in adult (>15 — 66 years). It was found that 78.1 % of neck masses were benign (congenital or acquired) , most of them (38.6 %) seen in pediatric age group , malignant neck masses found in 21.9 % of the patients. In pediatric age group, congenital neck masses were seen in highest percent (60.5 %), followed by acquired benign mass (especially lymphoid hyperplasia) found in 27.6 %, where as malignant neck masses were seen in lowest percentage (15.6 %). However, NHL appeared to be most common cancer in pediatric age group (62.5%). In adults, acquired benign neck masses (especially thyroid related mass) were most common (72.4 %) than congenital neck mass (39.5 %). Secondary malignant lesions that involved cervical lymph nodes in adults found in highest percent (94.6 %) than primary malignant lesions (71.4 %).