Unlocking Neck Mysteries: Expert Notes from Dr. Ehab Y. Hanna on Diagnosing and Treating Lumps, Cysts, and Lymphadenopathy

Explore this guide to neck surgery essentials, drawing from the expertise of renowned U.S. head and neck surgeon Dr. Ehab Y. Hanna, perfect for medical students, residents, and clinicians tackling common yet complex presentations like neck lumps. The notes delve into systematic diagnosis through history and physical examination—covering size, site, shape, surface, consistency, fixation, pulsatility, compressibility, transillumination, and bruising—while detailing key pathologies such as branchial cysts (with cholesterol-rich fluid and infection risks), branchial fistulas, cystic hygromas (notably translucent and common in the posterior triangle), thyroglossal duct cysts (midline and mobile with swallowing), inflammatory conditions like Ludwig's angina requiring urgent antibiotics or drainage, cervical lymphadenitis (acute and chronic forms from viral, bacterial, or neoplastic causes), tuberculous adenitis stages (from infection to sinus formation), primary tumors like chemodectomas (carotid body tumors, pulsatile and non-biopsiable), secondary carcinomas from head and neck primaries, and indications for neck exploration in trauma (e.g., expanding hematomas or stridor). Enhanced with diagrams, differential diagnoses by neck triangles, and lymph node classifications, this resource simplifies clinical decision-making for optimal outcomes in ENT and surgical practice