Neck Masses: Retrospective Analysis of 981 Cases

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine and discuss the diagnostic distribution, clinical behaviors and histopathological features of neck masses of patients who were followed-up in our department. Material and Methods: A total number of 981 patients with neck masses, who attended the Department of Ear-Nose-Throat in Dicle University Medical School, between 1992 and 2010, were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Among the 981 cases, 485 (49.5%) had a mass with neoplastic origin, whereas 383 (39%) had inflammatory and 113(11.5%) had congenital neck masses. Approximately 69% of the neoplastic masses were malignant and 31% were benign in nature. The mean ages were 28.26 +/- 7.69 and 11.45 +/- 4.08 years in patients with inflammatory and congenital masses, respectively. The mean age of the patients diagnosed with benign neck masses was 35.5 +/- 5.80 years while the mean age of the patients with malignant masses was 49.22 +/- 11.68 years. Conclusion: Neoplastic masses seem to be the most frequent cause of neck masses. Neck masses, especially in adults should be considered malignant until proven to be benign. In addition, biopsy specimens should not be obtained before a detailed ear, nose and throat examination of the patient.