Lump On Neck
What are the causes of lumps on your neck?
Your neck holds a range of glands, lymph nodes, and other structures that can become swollen or infected and cause neck masses. For example, some of the common causes of neck masses and lumps include:
Thyroid nodules
Thyroid nodules are lumps that form on your thyroid gland. They are either solid or filled with fluid. While often benign, nodules could be a warning sign of cancer or an autoimmune disorder, and require evaluation.
Cancer
A variety of cancers can grow in your neck. For example, thyroid cancer, throat cancer, Hodgkin’s disease, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can all cause lumps to develop on your neck.
Lipoma
A lipoma is a soft, fatty growth that usually develops just under your skin. A lipoma isn’t painful unless the growth compresses surrounding structures.
You can also develop a lump or mass on your neck from infections like mononucleosis and tonsillitis. Infections can also cause swollen lymph nodes under your chin and in your neck.
How is the cause of a lump on your neck diagnosed?
The team at Beach Cities ENTS offers thorough exams and testing to identify the condition causing the lump on your neck.
They begin by asking about the growth and any other symptoms or health changes you’ve had as well as your medical history. They feel your neck and look into your throat. They may perform a simple and rapid test called flexible laryngoscopy to look at the back of your tongue and throat as well as your voice box.
Your doctor may recommend a biopsy, CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound to gather more information about your neck mass to aid their diagnosis. Blood tests and throat cultures may also provide valuable clues about what’s causing your lump.
Your doctor may also test your ability to swallow and your breathing to see if your neck mass is interfering with your health in other ways.
How is a lump on your neck treated?
The doctors at Beach Cities ENTS provide customized treatment plans to address the specific condition causing your mass. Depending on your condition, they may suggest:
Medicine like antibiotics or thyroid medications
Surgery to remove the neck mass
If you have a mass or lump on your neck, make an appointment by calling Beach Cities ENTS or booking online today. Depending on the condition causing your lump, early detection and treatment could save your life.