Neck Masses: How To Do a Workup and Diagnosis, and Then Refer if You’re Not Going To Be the Treating Doctor (with Dr. Ben Hechler)

Depending on the underlying cause of a neck mass, treatment may involve antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, surgical removal, or other interventions as needed. Early detection and prompt neck mass treatment can help prevent complications and improve patient outcomes. What is the best approach for neck masses? How do you refer a patient after a workup and diagnosis? Here to help guide us through the steps is Dr. Ben Hechler, an oral maxillofacial surgeon practicing in North Carolina. In our conversation, Dr. Hechler walks us through the basics of diagnosing and treating neck masses, and the best approach for referring patients. We discuss the leading causes of neck masses, the symptoms of neck masses, and how to approach treatment. Learn what the best imaging tools for evaluation are, whether ultrasound can be used to evaluate a neck mass, the different ways of performing a biopsy, the likelihood of neck masses with no associated symptoms, how to deal with patient expectations, why it is crucial to assume a cyst is cancer, and more. To learn everything you need to know about neck masses and how to treat them, tune in now. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Why every dentist should have a basic understanding of neck masses.
• An outline of the major causes of neck masses. 
• The difference between how neck masses manifest in adults and children.
• How to best perform a physical exam and identify any problems.
• Describing neck masses effectively to other doctors and patients.
• Find out how Dr. Hechler characterizes a neoplastic mass.
• Symptoms in the neck that are helpful for diagnosis.
• What to keep in mind when diagnosing and treating patients.
• Our guest us about the ideal imaging modalities to further evaluate neck masses.
• The steps involved for definitely diagnosing a neck mass and performing a biopsy.
• Dr. Hechler explains what type of biopsy requires anesthesia.
• We review the different types of lesions and how to treat them.
• We briefly discuss salivary gland tumors that present as neck masses.
• How to effectively diagnose and treat developmental cysts.
• Essential aspects to remember when referring patients.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Ben Hechler on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-hechler/

Duke University Health System — https://www.dukehealth.org/

Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/ 

Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/

Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.com

Dr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059

KLS Martin promo code EOSExo22 — https://www.klsmartin.com/