What does the evaluation of a neck lump entail?
The evaluation of a neck lump, nodule, or mass is performed by the otolaryngologist. It is important to assess a history of smoking in a patient with a neck nodule. A complete head and neck exam is essential to view the entire upper aerodigestive tracts (breathing/swallowing passage). During the ENT office exam, the location of the nodule can often given a clue as to its identity. CT and MRI scanning and other radiographic evaluation is sometimes necessary. Fine needle aspiration (please see thyroid nodule above) is often a centrally important test in the work-up of a neck nodule and represents a microscopic biopsy that usually provides definitive diagnosis without surgery.
