Abstract

RAMOS, Emilio A. et al. Neck masses in aged patients: etiology and semiological features associated with malignancy. Medicina (B. Aires) [online]. 2023, vol.83, n.1, pp.29-34. ISSN 0025-7680.

Introduction: The purposes of our study were to describe the distribution of diagnoses in a series of 273 patients over 65 years of age who presented for neck masses and to identify semiological fea tures associated with malignancy. Methods: Neck masses were categorized as congenital lesions (n = 7, 3%, 95% CI: 1%- 5%), inflammatory masses (n = 67, 25%, 95% CI: 19%- 30%), benign neoplasms (n = 77, 28%, 95% CI: 23%- 34%), and malignant neoplasms (n = 87, 32%, 95% CI: 26%- 38%). Results: A group of patients had discontinued care and, consequently, a definitive diagnosis could not be reached (n = 35, 12%). Age (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.00-1.12), male sex (OR 2.35, 95% CI 1.11-4.96), prior history of cancer (OR 2.66, 95% CI 1.02-6.92), mass fixation to skin or deep tissues (OR 4.87, 95% CI 2.20-10.76), and the involvement of multiple cervical lymph node levels (OR 4.15, 95% CI 1.64-10.51) were identified as semiological features associated with malignancy. Conclusion: In the case of a neck mass in an elderly patient, its neoplastic origin should be strongly suspected.

Keywords : Neck mass; Aged; Diagnosis; Neoplasia; Malignancy.

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