Midline neck mass: Differential diagnosis

For context,

see Computed tomography of the thyroid.

Schematische

Darstellung von Laryngozelen in der Frontalebene. * IL = innere Laryngozele AL = äussere Laryngozele H = Hyoid (Zungenbein) T = Taschenband (Plica vestibularis) S = Stimmband (Plica vocalis) K = Ringknorpel (Krikoid)

Wikipedia • Public domain

Thyroglossal

duct pathology and mimics. Dermoid. Axial non-contrast CT image illustrates a neck mass located anterior to the thyroid cartilage and superficial to the strap muscles. The lesion demonstrates the same attenuation as adjacent subcutaneous fat

insightsimaging.springeropen.com • CC-by-4.0

Midline neck

mass • Thyroglossal duct cyst - Ganzer Fall bei Radiopaedia

Gaillard F, Thyroglossal duct cyst. Case study, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 13 Dec 2023) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-6253 • CC by-nc-sa 3.0 (modified)

Head and neck

squamous cell carcinomas • Delphian node in squamous cell carcinoma recurrence - Ganzer Fall bei Radiopaedia

Gaillard, F. Delphian node in squamous cell carcinoma recurrence. Case study, Radiopaedia.org. (accessed on 06 Nov 2022) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-35821 • CC by-nc-sa 3.0 (modified)

Midline neck

mass • Pyramidal thyroid lobe - Ganzer Fall bei Radiopaedia

Gaillard F, Pyramidal thyroid lobe. Case study, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 13 Dec 2023) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-4589 • CC by-nc-sa 3.0 (modified)

Midline neck

mass • Retrosternal goiter involving Zuckerkandl's tubercle - Ganzer Fall bei Radiopaedia

Gaillard F, Retrosternal goiter involving Zuckerkandl's tubercle. Case study, Radiopaedia.org (Accessed on 13 Dec 2023) https://doi.org/10.53347/rID-9922 • CC by-nc-sa 3.0 (modified)

Radiopaedia • CC-by-nc-sa 3.0 • de

Midline neck masses have a relatively narrow differential, as few structures are present in the midline. Dividing the causes according to structure of origin is a useful schema.