Neck swellings derived from paired lateral structures

These swelling tend to lie laterally in the neck.

The commonest causes of a swelling derived from a lateral paired structure are:

• congenital anomalies (1)
  • branchial anomalies
    • the most common congenital masses in the lateral neck
    • these masses include:
      • cysts (branchial cysts)
      • sinuses
      • fistulae
  • these may be seen along the sternocleidomastoid muscle
  • others congenital anomalies of the lateral neck include (1)
    • cystic hygromas (lymphangiomas)
    • dermoids
• other lesions include:
  • lymph node enlargement
  • thyroid swellings
  • salivary gland tumours
  • sternomastoid tumour
  • cervical rib
  • carotid artery aneurysms
  • arteriovenous fistula
  • carotid body tumour
  • actinomycosis
  • muscle tumours
  • clavicular tumours
  • spinal abscesses

Reference:

• (1) Eric Schwetschenau, The Adult Neck Mass, American Family Physician®, 2002;66:831-8.