Neck Masses
Neck masses and lumps have a variety of causes, but you should never ignore them. At Beach Cities ENTS, in Torrance, California, the board-certified team of ear, nose, and throat specialists diagnoses the cause of your neck mass and offers customized treatment to shrink or remove your lump. Don’t delay treatment, call Beach Cities ENTS or schedule an appointment online today at the South Bay area office.
What are the causes of neck masses?
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.
Goiters
A goiter develops when your thyroid grows abnormally. Both hyper and hypoactive thyroids cause them. Goiters can make it difficult for you to breathe or swallow and lead to coughing and hoarseness.
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 a nerve.
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 neck mass diagnosed?
The team at Beach Cities ENTS offers thorough exams and testing to identify the condition causing the mass 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.
Your doctor may recommend a biopsy, X-ray, or CT scan to gather more information about your neck mass to aid their diagnosis. Blood tests and throat cultures also provide valuable clues about what’s causing your lump.
Your doctor may also test your ability to swallow and your respiration to see if your neck mass is interfering with your health in other ways.
How are neck masses 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
Radioactive iodine treatments
Thyroidectomy
Excision procedures
Cancer treatment
If you have a mass 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.