Clinicopathological Evaluation and Prevalence of Neck Swellings in a Tertiary Care Centre of a Tier 2 City

Dr Mittal Patel (ENT Consultant, Ahmedabad, Gujarat), Dr Deepak Chhatbar (ENT Consultant, Dhoraji City, Rajkot, Gujarat)

Year: 2024, Volume: 1, Issue: 3, Date of Publication: 30 November 2024;

Abstract: Neck swellings are a common clinical presentation encountered in medical practice, varying significantly in etiology, pathology, and prevalence based on demographic and geographic factors. This study aims to assess the clinicopathologic features and prevalence of neck swellings in patients presenting to a tertiary care hospital in a Tier 2 city over a 1-year period. A retrospective observational study was conducted, analyzing clinical records, histopathological reports, and diagnostic imaging of 550 patients with neck swellings. Data were categorized based on age, gender, duration of swelling, and pathological diagnosis. The findings highlighted a diverse range of etiologies, including reactive lymphadenopathy, thyroid disorders, congenital anomalies, and malignancies, with notable differences in prevalence based on age and gender. Thyroid swellings were found to be the most common cause among adults, while lymphadenopathy predominated in pediatric cases. The study underscores the importance of early and accurate diagnosis for effective management and better clinical outcomes. This study provides valuable insights into the spectrum of neck swellings in a Tier 2 city setting, emphasizing the need for tailored diagnostic and therapeutic strategies in resource-limited environments.

Keywords: Neck swellings, clinicopathologic assessment, Prevalence, tertiary care hospital, Tier 2 city, Reactive lymphadenopathy, thyroid disorders, congenital anomalies, histopathological analysis, Diagnostic imaging