Differential Diagnosis for Swelling to Neck after 60 days of Injury

• Single most likely diagnosis
  • Hematoma: This is a likely diagnosis given the history of injury. A hematoma can form after an injury and may not be immediately apparent, taking time to develop and become noticeable as swelling.
• Other Likely diagnoses
  • Abscess: An abscess could form as a result of infection following the injury, leading to swelling in the neck area.
  • Seroma: A seroma, which is a collection of fluid that can occur after an injury, could also cause swelling in the neck.
  • Lymphadenopathy: Enlarged lymph nodes due to infection or inflammation could present as swelling in the neck.
• Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
  • Carotid artery pseudoaneurysm: Although less common, a pseudoaneurysm of the carotid artery could form after an injury and present with neck swelling. This condition is potentially life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): While less likely to present as neck swelling, a DVT in the jugular or subclavian veins could cause swelling and is a potentially life-threatening condition.
• Rare diagnoses
  • Branchial cleft cyst: These congenital anomalies can become infected or inflamed, leading to swelling in the neck, although they are less likely to be directly related to an injury.
  • Thyroglossal duct cyst: Similar to branchial cleft cysts, thyroglossal duct cysts are congenital and can become apparent due to infection or inflammation, causing neck swelling.