Follow-Up and Patient Education

For patients with a neck mass who are not at increased risk of malignancy, clinicians should advise patients of the criteria that would trigger the need for additional evaluation in order to decrease the risk associated with delayed or missed diagnosis of a malignant neck mass. Clinicians should also document a plan for follow-up to assess complete resolution or final diagnosis and inform the patients of the expected response to treatment. Printed educational material may supplement the discussion. For patients with a neck mass who are at increased risk of malignancy, clinicians should explain to the patient the significance of being at increased risk and explain any recommended diagnostic tests. The aim is to highlight the importance of patient education, counseling, and shared decision-making. Open communication and education empower patients to make informed decisions, improve treatment adherence, and promote greater satisfaction and better outcomes. The clinician should explain to the patient relevant aspects of the evaluation, including diagnostic testing and specialty consultation, and discuss possible diagnoses, including carcinoma. The patient should have a clear understanding of necessary diagnostic examinations, including the process, urgency, risks, and benefits of each, as well as the expected time frame of test results and follow-up. Finally, a detailed follow-up plan should be reviewed with the patient. This chapter discusses education, counseling, and follow-up of the patient with a lateral neck swelling with or without increased risk of malignancy.