The neck area is characterized by a complex anatomical structure, as it performs important functions with increased complexity and specificity. Due to its complexity, it may form a number of lumps, which are created due to cysts, tumors or other conditions involving the salivary glands and lymph nodes. For the complete and effective treatment of such cases, neck cysts and tumors removal is recommended.

Neck cysts: Types & Characteristics

Benign lumps and tumors of the neck can occur in several forms. Neck cysts include the brachial cyst, which is a type of birth defect that forms during fetal life. Other types of cysts found in the neck area are cystic hygroma, which belongs to the category of the most frequently occurring lymphangiomas. At the same time, laryngocele is a type of cystic swelling in the lateral wall of the larynx, which is called the laryngeal cavity. Any cyst in the neck area is important to be thoroughly examined to rule out the existence of any malignancy.

Neck tumors: Forms & Characteristics

Tumors that are formed in the neck can be either benign or malignant. Benign neck tumors are tumors originating from the lymph nodes, salivary glands and cysts that have formed an oncotic formation. The lymph nodes of the neck are arranged in groups whose main function is the concentration of early metastatic cells, so that they do not spread to the rest of the body. Neck tumors can be either benign or malignant. In case of malignancy, they can be either primary or metastatic. Primary cancerous tumors in the neck area are usually associated with the thyroid and lymph nodes.

Neck cysts and tumors removal: Diagnostic tests before surgery

Before the neck cysts and tumors removal, it is important to carry out detailed diagnostic tests to determine the exact location and special characteristics of the formation. An upper respiratory endoscopy is performed, while radiological tests such as CT and MRI are used to define the boundaries and characteristics of each mass found in the neck area. Finally, an ultrasound is performed in the neck area, where a fine-needle biopsy collects a sample that is sent for histological examination to determine whether the tumor is benign or cancerous.

Neck cysts and tumors removal: Surgical procedure depending on each case

A brachial cyst is treated by surgical removal. The entire procedure is performed under general anesthesia through a small horizontal incision in the lateral part of the neck which, at the end of the operation, is sewn up with plastic surgery techniques so that it is as invisible as possible. If the cyst has ruptured, it must first be opened so that the pus is removed, followed with antibiotic treatment administration, and after the inflammation subsides, surgery should follow.

The removal of benign and malignant tumors of the neck is ​​carried out by surgery. In the case of a benign tumor, the mass is removed individually, while in the case of malignancy, an extensive surgical excision of the tumor is indicated, which is followed by a thorough cleaning of the neck and lymph nodes. Along with the excision and removal of the malignant tumor, ENT Surgeon in Athens Dr. Olga Papadopoulou necessarily performs a thorough lymph node cleansing, which is sometimes carried out to a lesser extent and sometimes to a greater extent, on one or both sides of the neck.