The neckmass

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Neck masses may be benign or malignant, acquired or congenital, neoplastic or infectious. After initial history taking and evaluation, the physician orders further diagnostic procedures, such as blood studies, biopsy, or radiology, as necessary, depending on the probable cause. In part 1 of this two-part article (page 75), the authors discuss embryology of the head and neck—including faulty development that can result in a mass—and physical examination for congenital masses. Part 2 addresses the origin, presentation, and treatment of inflammatory and neoplastic masses.