Detailed Physical Exam for a Neck Mass:

An examination of the entire neck, ear, nose, and aerodigestive tract should be done. This can be done by visual inspection, palpation, nasal speculum exam, otoscopy, and flexible nasopharyngoscopy.

*If you suspect neoplasia, it is also important to conduct a thorough physical exam of the entire body to rule out metastasis or a primary malignancy

A non-tender, hard, fixed, large (>2cm) mass usually indicates a neoplastic lesion if the mass is pulsatile, think vascular (aneurysm or mass fixed to an artery)

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