Midline Neck Swellings: Classification

A neck swelling includes any mass that presents in the neck whatever its origin is. Swellings of the neck are generally categorized into two groups: midline and lateral neck swellings. Pathologically, neck swellings are categorized into benign and malignant neck swellings. This chapter provides various classifications of midline neck swellings. Anatomically, midline neck swellings are classified into “superficial” and “deep” swellings in relation to the cervical deep fascia. According to the midline anatomical regions, midline neck swellings are classified as swellings of the submental region, hyoid bone region, laryngeal/pharyngeal region, tracheal region, and suprasternal space region. Midline neck swellings are also classified according to the tissue of origin such as lymph nodes, thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, hyoid bone, larynx, pharynx, trachea, sublingual salivary gland, blood/lymph vessels, thymus gland, and subcutaneous tissue. According to consistency, midline neck swellings are classified as “solid” or “cystic/pseudocystic.” Finally, according to age, midline neck swellings are categorized as swellings occurring in “adults” (benign—malignant) or “children” (congenital—acquired). Acquired swellings in children are further subclassified into inflammatory or neoplastic.