Differential Diagnosis for Anterior Neck Mass
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Thyroid nodule or goiter: This is the most common cause of an anterior neck mass, often presenting as a palpable nodule or enlargement of the thyroid gland. It can be due to various reasons such as iodine deficiency, autoimmune diseases, or thyroiditis.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Cystic hygroma or branchial cleft cyst: These congenital anomalies can present as anterior neck masses, often filled with fluid and may become apparent during childhood or later in life.
- Lymphadenopathy: Enlarged lymph nodes in the anterior neck can be due to infections, autoimmune diseases, or malignancies.
- Salivary gland tumors or stones: Although less common than thyroid issues, tumors or stones in the submandibular gland can cause anterior neck masses.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Anaplastic thyroid cancer: A rare but aggressive form of thyroid cancer that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.
- Medullary thyroid carcinoma: A type of thyroid cancer that can produce calcitonin and may be associated with multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) syndromes.
- Lymphoma: Both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma can present with lymphadenopathy in the anterior neck, requiring timely diagnosis and treatment.
- Rare diagnoses
- Carotid body tumor: A rare, usually benign tumor of the carotid body that can present as an anterior neck mass.
- Parathyroid adenoma or hyperplasia: Abnormalities of the parathyroid glands can cause anterior neck masses, although they are less common than thyroid issues.
- Ectopic thyroid tissue: Rarely, thyroid tissue can be found in abnormal locations, including the anterior neck, and can form masses.