[Asymptomatic thoracic and abdominal tumors with lymph nodes metastasis as a reason for consultation].

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence of metastatic cancer to the neck from asymptomatic primary tumors in thorax, abdomen or pelvis.

DESIGN

Two years term (January 1992 to December 1993) retrospective study.

PATIENTS AND METHOD: Presentation of 57 patients with a neck mass which through puntion-aspiration (FNB), cervicotomy and biopsy confirmed any type of carcinoma.

RESULTS

In 39 cases (68.42%) a primary tumor either in the pharynx or mouth were affirmative of growth; in other 10 (17.54%) the site of the primary remainded unknown; and 8 cases (14.04%) the primary tumor even asymptomatic could be localized inside the thorax or abdomen (3 pulmonary, 2 kidney, 1 stomach, 1 prostate and 1 esophagus). In other 2 occurrences, a cervicofacial association existed (1 case a synchronic growth of the hypopharynx-prostate, the other one cavum pharyngis and lung).

COMMENTS: Cases diagnosed as asymptomatic thoracic or abdominal tumors are commented and its bibliography reviewed. The same as diagnostic strategy in hidden primaries aiming to the probability of ascertain the sitting in each diagnostic stage.