Head and Neck Manifestations of Systemic Disease

Systemic diseases commonly managed by the Internist may have presentations within the head and neck. Awareness of these manifestations, sometimes as the presenting signs or symptoms of systemic disease, may aid the Internist in diagnosis and management. The Otolaryngologist may be helpful in assisting in the evaluation of these patients and in some cases providing targeted symptomatic therapy. Some systemic processes can generate emergent airway events, and early engagement of the otolaryngologist is of value.