14. The neck

The neck is readily accessible to simple examination without aids, i.e. examination of the bony and cartilaginous structures, muscles, thyroid gland, lymph nodes and salivary glands. We give a clear explanation of the techniques required for palpation, the possible findings and what the obstacles are. Additional tests discussed include MRI, CT, fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), cone beam computed tomography (CBCT), contrast X-ray examination (sialography) and scintigraphy. The main neck abnormalities are swellings of the lymph nodes and thyroid gland. The lymph node and thyroid disorders discussed include hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, enlarged thyroid, thyroglossal cyst, goitre, thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s disease), lymphadenopathy, Graves’ disease, Plummer’s disease and malignancies.