ULTRASONOGRAPHIC EVALUATION;

Abstract

Objectives: To assess common presenting complaints and the role of ultrasound in evaluating neck masses in pediatric andadult population. Design: Cross sectional. Setting: Khyber X-Ray, 7 Khyber Medical Centre, Dabgari Gardens, Peshawar. Period: July 2011to December 2011. Material and Methods: Data from patients presenting for evaluation of a neck mass was analyzed for presentingcomplaints and ultrasound findings according to objectives of the study. Results: In total 105 cases were included in the study. The mean ageof patients was 36.8 years with a male to female ratio of 1:2.1. The age wise categorization included pediatric population (10.5%) adultpopulation (89.5%). Both painful and painless neck swellings were common presenting complaints in pediatric population with cervicallymphadenopathy being the most common ultrasound finding. Among Adult males painless neck swelling was the most common presentingcomplaint with cervical lymphadenopathy followed by Multinodular goiter being most common ultrasound findings. Most common presentingcomplaint in Adult females was painless neck swelling with Multinodular goiter being most common ultrasound finding. Conclusions: NeckMasses are commonly encountered in all age groups especially pediatric population and adult females, Ultrasound is a useful and safemodality in evaluation of neck masses.