A lump that appears on the neck can be either a small lump that can only be felt by touch or a large lump that can be clearly seen with the naked eye. These lumps often cause considerable concern about whether they are dangerous or not. Most lumps on the neck are usually not dangerous. So, what can these lumps indicate? Here is the answer!
What causes lumps on the neck?
- Lumps on the skin surface, such as sebaceous cysts, lipomas (fatty lumps under the skin)
- Enlarged lymph nodes caused by
- Infections of the ear, nasal cavity, throat, tonsillitis, infections of the gums and teeth, usually accompanied by symptoms in those organs such as ear pain, toothache, tooth decay, gum inflammation, sore throat, cough with phlegm, and possibly fever
- Tuberculosis infection of the lymph nodes (Tuberculosis lymph node)
- Certain viral infections that cause lymph node enlargement
- Lymphoma (lymph node cancer)
- Leukemia (blood cancer)
- Cancers from other organs that have spread to the lymph nodes, such as lung cancer, breast cancer, and cancers in the neck area
- Lumps in the thyroid gland caused by
- Thyroiditis, which usually presents with a lump in the thyroid and tenderness when pressing on the lump
- Thyroid nodules or cysts
- Thyroid cancer
- Branchial cleft cysts in the neck, which occur because embryonic tissues do not develop completely, creating a gap between tissues where fluid accumulates to form a cyst
Diagnosis of lumps on the neck
The diagnosis depends on the symptoms, which may be accompanied by other signs that suggest abnormalities in the affected organ. The physical examination by a doctor will determine the type of lump. Referral to specialists such as ENT doctors, thyroid specialists, or internal medicine specialists may be necessary for more precise diagnosis. Ultrasound of the neck may be required to identify the location of the lump, measure its size, and determine whether it is a cyst or a solid mass. CT scans of the neck may sometimes be needed, along with blood tests and tissue biopsy or fine needle aspiration, to allow the doctor to make a definitive diagnosis.
Treatment of lumps on the neck
Treatment of lumps on the neck depends on the cause. Lumps caused by bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. Lumps caused by cancer may require surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Therefore, if you find an abnormal lump on your neck, you should see a doctor promptly. However, do not worry excessively because only a small portion of lumps are tumors or cancers. Most are due to inflammation or infections that can be treated successfully.
