Efficacy of Ultrasonography in the Diagnosis of Cystic Neck Masses Confirmed By Histopathological Examination

Abstract

Cystic lesion of the neck is one of the lesions that fall under the umbrella of congenital and acquired neck masses. Ultrasonography plays an important role in the diagnosis of these lesions. The aim of this study is to highlight the efficacy of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of cystic lesions of the neck area.Materials and methods: 43 patients presented with palpable neck mass were examined clinically and scanned by ultrasonography, these patients were divided into three groups according to the histopathological examination of the cystic lesions, group 1 was 32 patients with thyroglossal duct cyst, group 2 was 8 patients with cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis and group 3 was 3 patients with branchial cleft cyst. FNAC was done and the aspirate sent for cytological, bacteriological and biochemical assessments were done for more confirmation. Plain X ray for the chest, Computed tomography (CT) if the lesion is deep seated or to detect the primary neoplastic lesion if great suspicion is present.Results: The accuracy of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of thyroglossal duct cyst was 94.4%, cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis and branchial cleft cyst were 80%.Conclusion: Despite the need for further radiological investigation like CT scan in some patients, ultrasonography remains the first line investigative tool with high sensitivity and specificity.