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VIDEO: Tips for managing neck mass, hoarseness, nosebleeds for PCPs

PHILADELPHIA — In this video from the ACP Internal Medicine Meeting, Melissa Pynnonen, MD, MSc, professor of otolaryngology at the University of Michigan, discusses common ear, nose and throat conditions that primary care physicians may see in practice and when they warrant a referral to a specialist.

“Very commonly patients who have a neck mass may have metastatic cancer despite no other symptoms,” Pynnonen said.

Patients who have a neck mass that may be malignant should be evaluated by a head and neck cancer provider, she said. Signs of malignancy include presentation for 2 weeks or more without signs of infection, large size and firmness, among others, she said.

Pynnonen also discussed red flags PCPs should look for in patients with dysphonia and nose bleeds that require urgent evaluation. – by Alaina Tedesco

Disclosure: Pynnonen reports no relevant financial disclosures.