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Syphilis as a Differential Diagnosis of Neck Masses

1967; American Medical Association; Volume: 86; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1001/archotol.1967.00760050221022

1538-361X

C. T. Yarington, Olaf Chresten Jensen,

Tumors and Oncological Cases

SYPHILIS is well-known as a great mimic. It is also well accepted as a cause of cervical adenopathy (Winterbottom's sign). It is not, however, recognized by the modern head and neck surgeon as a cause of large neck masses which present themselves for diagnosis and treatment. Unfortunately, a serological examination is seldom part of the initial work-up of patients presenting with a primary neck mass. Two cases are presented which point out the need for more widespread use of serological diagnostic tests for syphilis by otolaryngologists, and, indeed, all physicians. The two cases presented fall within the differential diagnostic area, including the various benign and malignant forms of lymphoid disease, as well as the benign lateral cysts of the neck, metastatic thyroid tumors, and primary deep-neck infection. Metastatic carcinoma of the neck was not seriously considered due to the clinical findings and the absence of any primary tumor on thorough