Characterizing Posterior Neck Masses: A Single-Institution Retrospective and Systematic Review

Ear Nose Throat J. 2021 Sep;100(5_suppl):766S-770S. doi: 10.1177/0145561319881845. Epub 2019 Oct 13.

Abstract

Objective: Posterior neck masses are a relatively poorly characterized entity. The authors attempt to further characterize the anatomy and pathology of the posterior neck by way of a combined single-institution retrospective chart review and systematic review of the literature.

Methods: A single-institution retrospective chart review was undertaken for all patients undergoing excision of a posterior neck mass between January 1, 2012, and January 1, 2017. A systematic review of the Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane database was undertaken in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines in search of case reports and series describing posterior neck masses.

Results: A total of 28 patients who underwent excision of a posterior neck mass were encountered during the retrospective chart review. All pathologies were benign, the most prevalent of which was lipoma (22/28, 79%). A total of 19 articles describing a collective 36 posterior neck masses were encountered during the systematic review. Lipomas were the most common pathology (15/36, 42%). All but one of the masses reported were benign (35/36, 97%).

Conclusions: Patients presenting with posterior neck masses can be reassured of a low risk of malignancy. The majority of posterior neck masses can be appropriately evaluated via physical examination and ultrasound.

Keywords: posterior neck mass.

Publication types

  • Systematic Review

MeSH terms

  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / surgery
  • Humans
  • Lipoma / pathology
  • Lipoma / surgery
  • Neck / anatomy & histology
  • Neck / pathology*
  • Neck Muscles / anatomy & histology
  • Neck Muscles / pathology
  • Retrospective Studies