Find information on neck lumps, including differential diagnoses, clinical evaluation, and appropriate medical coding. Learn about common causes such as lymphadenopathy, thyroid nodules, cysts, and other potential diagnoses. Explore resources for healthcare professionals related to physical exam findings, diagnostic imaging, biopsy procedures, ICD-10 codes, and SNOMED CT terminology for accurate clinical documentation of a neck mass. This resource provides guidance for diagnosis and management of neck lumps in a clinical setting.
Also known as
Localized swelling, mass, and lump
Abnormal lumps, bumps, or swelling in specific body areas.
Benign neoplasm of lip, oral cavity
Non-cancerous growths in the mouth and lip area.
Secondary and unspecified malignant
Cancer that has spread to lymph nodes, including neck.
Nonspecific lymphadenitis
Swollen lymph nodes due to various infections or causes.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the lump inflammatory/infective?
Yes
Is it lymphadenitis?
No
Is it a cyst?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Lump in neck |
| Lymphadenopathy |
| Thyroid nodule |
Q: What is the most efficient differential diagnosis approach for a persistent neck lump in an adult patient, considering both common and serious etiologies?
A: Evaluating a persistent neck lump in an adult requires a systematic approach considering both common and serious diagnoses. Begin with a thorough history, including duration, associated symptoms (pain, fever, dysphagia, hoarseness), personal and family history (smoking, alcohol use, malignancy), and any recent infections. Physical examination should assess lump characteristics (size, location, mobility, tenderness), associated lymphadenopathy, and cranial nerve function. Initial investigations often include complete blood count (CBC) with differential, inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP), and imaging studies. Ultrasound is typically the first-line imaging modality for superficial lumps, aiding in characterization (solid vs cystic, vascularity). For deeper or concerning lesions, CT with contrast or MRI may be warranted. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) can provide valuable diagnostic information, especially for suspicious lymph nodes. Consider an urgent ENT referral for concerning features like rapid growth, fixation to surrounding tissues, or suspicion of malignancy. Explore how our advanced imaging protocols can aid in precise neck lump characterization and guide appropriate management decisions.
Q: When should I be concerned about a neck lump and refer a patient to a specialist, specifically considering red flags suggestive of malignancy?
A: Several red flags warrant urgent specialist referral for a neck lump. These include a rapidly enlarging lump, firm or hard consistency, fixation to surrounding tissues, associated symptoms like dysphagia, hoarseness, or persistent unexplained pain, history of smoking or excessive alcohol use, cervical lymphadenopathy, and age over 40. Furthermore, a history of prior malignancy, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or persistent fever should raise concern. While many neck lumps are benign (reactive lymphadenopathy, cysts, lipomas), prompt referral for suspected malignancy is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. Consider implementing a standardized assessment pathway for neck lumps in your practice to ensure timely detection and referral of high-risk cases. Learn more about our resources for head and neck cancer screening and early intervention.
Patient presents with a chief complaint of a neck mass or neck lump. Onset of the neck swelling was (duration) and is described as (character: e.g., painful, painless, tender, firm, mobile, fixed, soft). Associated symptoms include (e.g., dysphagia, odynophagia, hoarseness, dyspnea, fever, chills, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue, ear pain, referred pain). Location of the mass is noted in the (right, left, midline) (anterior, posterior, lateral) neck, specifically (e.g., supraclavicular, submandibular, anterior cervical triangle). Medical history includes (relevant conditions e.g., thyroid disease, recent infection, history of cancer, autoimmune disorders). Physical examination reveals a (size in cm) palpable mass in the (location) neck that is (character: e.g., mobile, fixed, tender, non-tender, firm, soft, fluctuant). Lymphadenopathy is (present, absent) in other regions. Differential diagnosis includes lymphadenopathy, benign neck mass (e.g., thyroglossal duct cyst, branchial cleft cyst, lipoma), infectious etiology (e.g., reactive lymphadenitis, abscess), inflammatory process, or malignancy (e.g., lymphoma, metastatic disease, thyroid cancer). Initial diagnostic workup may include complete blood count (CBC), thyroid function tests (TFTs), and neck ultrasound. Further evaluation with fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy, computed tomography (CT) scan, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be indicated depending on clinical findings. Patient education provided regarding potential causes of neck lumps, diagnostic procedures, and treatment options. Follow-up scheduled for (timeframe) to review results and discuss next steps in management plan.