Management of Adult Neck Mass: Sex (HPV), Drugs, and Rock ’n’ Roll

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

12:30 PM – 1:30 PM EDT

Location: MBCC, 208

CME/MOC Credit: 1

Disclosure(s):

Rodney J. Taylor, MD, MSPH, MBA:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Wojciech K. Mydlarz, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Liana Puscas, MD, MHS, MA:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Samer Al-Khudari, MD:

faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Differential diagnosis of an adult neck mass is broad, but the most common presentation is that of an enlarged lymph node. In adults with enlarged lymph nodes presenting as a neck mass, malignant disease must not be overlooked. This is especially important due to the high prevalence and epidemic of human papillomavirus (HPV)-mediated head and neck cancers. Persistent pursuit of a diagnosis with appropriate work-up facilitates a timely and accurate treatment plan, which is essential to a favorable outcome. Appropriate work up also encompasses evaluation for potential lymphoproliferative disorders. Therefore, it is important for physicians to develop a systematic approach for developing a working diagnosis and management plan for these patients.

This panel will address a systematic and evidence-based work-up of an adult presenting with a palpable lymph node/neck mass. Pragmatic tips on comprehensive patient evaluation will be demonstrated including systemic work up and testing, different physical examination tips as well as complementary benefits of endoscopic and imaging technologies. The practicing otolaryngologist should walk away with a focused systematic approach on how to efficiently evaluate and work-up an adult with an enlarged lymph node and/or neck mass, while avoiding unnecessary excisional biopsy and antibiotic therapy.

Learning Objectives:

Recognize the differences between pediatric and adult patients, taking into consideration solid versus cystic neck masses with emphasis on evaluation of abnormal lymph nodes.
Review available evidence-based work up and management recommendation of adult neck masses, especially imaging, sampling and testing.
Implement a rational systematic approach for efficient evaluation and accurate diagnosis, especially to effectively evaluate for potential malignant disease.

Moderator(s)

Rodney J. Taylor, MD, MSPH, MBA

Professor, Chairman of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery
University of Maryland
Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

Panelist(s)

Wojciech K. Mydlarz, MD

Assistant Professor Director, Head and Neck Surgery - National Capitol Region
Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Bethesda, MD, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
LP

Liana Puscas, MD, MHS, MA

Professor
Duke Head and Neck Surgery & Communication Sciences
Durham, NC, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
SA

Samer Al-Khudari, MD

Associate Professor , Section Head of Head and Neck Oncologic Surgery
Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Rush University Medical Center
Chicago, IL, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.