Evaluation of the Neck Mass in Adults
CPD Unit: 1 Point | 
1 Hour | 
21 Aug 2025
Overview
About
In adult patients, a neck mass should be presumed malignant until proven otherwise. Through proper history
and physical examination, clinicians should be able to determine patients presenting with a neck mass who
are at high risk of developing neoplasms such as head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), lymphoma,
thyroid, or salivary cancer. Prompt diagnosis of neck masses is crucial for timely management of the
disease, ultimately, improving patients’ quality of life.
This e-learning module highlights a
streamlined approach on the evaluation of neck masses for early detection of potentially malignant
conditions.
Learning outcomes
At the end of this module, learners should be able to:
- Define a neck mass in adults and its possible etiology
- Identify signs, symptoms, and physical examination findings suspicious for malignancies in neck masses in adults
- Understand the components of targeted history and physical examination in neck masses
- Identify appropriate diagnostic testing to be done
Topics covered
- Definition of neck mass and its etiology
- Early detection and diagnostic delay
- Guideline key action statements on neck mass with corresponding algorithm
Speaker for this course
Reinzi Luz S. Bautista, MD, FPSO-HNS, FPSSM
Otolaryngologist – Head and Neck Surgeon
1 CPD Point Available
- Score at least 80% on the quiz.
- A certificate can be downloaded upon successful completion of the quiz. Please use the information on the certificate to claim your CPD points.
Keywords: neck mass, malignant neck masses, thyroid