Thyroid gland malignancies account for about 3% of all cancers (13.5/100,000 population), while representing the most common malignancy of the endocrine system. In general, thyroid cancer afflicts young to middle-aged adults with environmental, genetic, and hormonal factors often playing an…
▪ Follicular Adenoma Follicular adenoma (FA) is a benign encapsulated neoplasm of follicular epithelial origin and is the most common neoplasm of the thyroid gland. Autopsy studies show that 3% to 5% of adult thyroid glands harbor an FA. A…
■ Thyroglossal Duct Cyst The thyroglossal duct represents the tract in the midline neck through which the thyroid anlage descends during embryonic development. It begins at the foramen cecum at the base of the tongue, continues around the hyoid bone,…
■ Metastatic Squamous Cell Carcinoma Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) in the neck often presents without a clinically apparent primary. The majority of cases of metastatic SCC to cervical lymph nodes are associated with high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) from the…
▪ Lymphangioma (Cystic Hygroma) Lymphangiomas are rare congenital lymphatic malformations, with up to 70% reported in the head and neck. They are separated into three types: capillary, cavernous, and cystic (cystic hygroma). Lymphangiomas comprise approximately 25% of all vascular neoplasms…
Non-neoplastic lesions of the neck can be broadly classified into developmental cystic anomalies; infections and related diseases/lesions; and reactive, inflammatory, and tumor-like lesions. ■ Branchial Cleft Anomalies Branchial cleft anomalies are divided according to the branchial apparatus involved and are…
■ Squamous Cell Carcinoma (External Auditory Canal and Middle Ear) Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a malignant tumor of squamous keratinocytes. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is considered etiologic for external ear lesions, whereas chronic inflammation (otitis media) may be associated with…
▪ Ceruminous Adenoma Ceruminous adenoma is a benign glandular neoplasm of ceruminous glands (modified apocrine sweat glands) that arises solely from the external auditory canal (EAC). Clinical Features Ceruminous Adenoma—Disease Fact Sheet Definition ▪ Benign ceruminous gland neoplasm Incidence and…
▪ First Branchial Cleft Anomalies First branchial cleft anomalies include a spectrum of benign congenital fistulas, sinuses, and cysts and result from incomplete fusion of the first and second branchial arches, with persistence of the ventral component of the first…
■ Osteosarcoma Osteosarcoma (OS) is defined as a group of malignant tumors whose neoplastic cells produce bone. It is the most common primary malignant bone tumor. Aggressive behavior is usually associated with high-grade morphology of the atypical osteoid-producing osteoblasts. Tumors…