Table of Contents IntroductionInspectionPalpation From posteriorlyFrom anteriorlyPercussion Auscultation To complete Common pathologyTest your knowledge Introduction Wash hands Introduce self Ask Patient’s name, DOB and what they like to be called Explain examination and obtain consent Expose neck and sit patient in centre of room General inspection: well/unwell, cachexia, lethargic, sweaty, signs of hypo-/hyperthyroidism, abnormal voice etc. Check that the examiner does not want you also to examine thyroid status (if so, see notes on thyroid exam) Inspection Obvious masses or lymphadenopathy Surgical scars Overlying skin (erythema, rashes) Goitre Ask patient to swallow and then stick tongue out while watching thyroid gland (thyroid lumps and thyroglossal cysts rise on swallowing; thyroglossal cysts rise on tongue protrusion) GoitreVisible posterior cervical lymphadenopathy Palpation Check for any pain and explain you will be examining from behind initially From posteriorly Anterior lymph nodes, salivary glands and thyroid: Submental lymph nodes Sublingual gland Submandibular lymph nodes and gland (gland swelling may occur due to salivary duct calculi that may be palpable) Jugulodigastric (tonsillar) lymph nodes Parotid gland Down anterior cervical chain of lymph nodes Stop at thyroid gland (over 2nd-4th tracheal rings): note size, consistency and any abnormal masses. Feel the two lobes and isthmus. With your fingers over the thyroid gland: Ask patient to swallow (thyroid masses and thyroglossal cysts will rise) Ask patient to stick out tongue (thyroglossal cyst will rise) Complete the anterior cervical chain Posterior lymph nodes Feel posterior cervical chain of lymph nodes from the bottom of the posterior triangle to the mastoid process Occipital lymph nodes Postauricular lymph nodes Preauricular lymph nodes Palpation technique Palpation technique Palpate for lymphadenopathy with your finger pulps (do not ‘play the piano’, i.e. palpate using finger tips). Palpate as if you are giving a massage, and feel each group thoroughly – especially the anterior and posterior cervical chains, for which your whole hand should be placed around the patient’s neck. Roll the lymph nodes over the deep muscles/bone to feel them (don’t just press the superficial soft tissues). From anteriorly Supraclavicular lymph nodes: examine these from in front by placing fingertips in supraclavicular fossae (Virchow’s node is left supraclavicular) Palpate each carotid artery in turn Describing a mass Describing a massFor any mass, note its characteristics SSSCCCTTT: Size, Shape, Surface, Consistency, Contours, Colour, Temperature, Tenderness, TransilluminationIt’s important to determine if any palpable lymph nodes are hard (malignancy), rubbery (lymphoma), tethered (malignancy), or irregular (malignancy) Lymph node groups of the head and neck Percussion Percuss over sternum for retrosternal goitre Auscultation Thyroid and carotid bruits To complete Examine any areas drained by palpable lymph nodes Thank patient and restore clothing Summarise Common pathology Oops! This section is restricted to members. Test your knowledge What are the different types of thyroid carcinoma? Oops! This section is restricted to members. How would you investigate a neck lump? Oops! This section is restricted to members. What are the causes of tonsillitis? Oops! This section is restricted to members.
