The anatomy of the neck is complex and thickening of the neck can be caused by organ and tissue pathology in this area. Most obese people will present with a thick neck, but it is mainly due to fat accumulation. In addition, some patients with enlarged submandibular and cervical lymph nodes will also present with a thick neck, and these conditions are easier to identify on examination by a doctor or on ultrasound.
If the patient does not have hypermetabolic symptoms and signs such as fear of fever, wasting, hyperphagia, etc., but mainly presents with sore throat, toothache, painful swallowing, chills, fever, abnormal swelling of the neck and face, or has no obvious symptoms and only presents with thickening of the neck or local lumps, then diseases such as cervical lymphadenitis, thyroglossal cyst, malignant tumour and cellulitis of the neck need to be considered.