Differential Diagnosis for Hard Bony Like Projection Above Thyroid
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Thyroid cartilage prominence: This is the most likely diagnosis as the thyroid cartilage is a hard, bony-like structure located above the thyroid gland, and its prominence can be felt as a hard projection.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Cervical osteophyte: A bony growth on the cervical spine can cause a hard projection above the thyroid gland.
- Tracheal calcification: Calcification of the tracheal rings can cause a hard, bony-like feeling above the thyroid gland.
- Laryngeal prominence: An enlarged larynx or laryngeal tumor can cause a hard projection above the thyroid gland.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Thyroid cancer with bony metastasis: Although rare, thyroid cancer can metastasize to the bone, causing a hard bony-like projection above the thyroid gland.
- Laryngeal cancer: Cancer of the larynx can cause a hard, bony-like projection above the thyroid gland and is a potentially life-threatening condition if missed.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Eagle syndrome: An elongated styloid process can cause a hard, bony-like projection in the neck, although it is typically located more laterally.
- Cervical vertebrae anomaly: A congenital anomaly of the cervical vertebrae can cause a hard, bony-like projection above the thyroid gland, although this is a rare condition.