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Posted in Uncategorized | January 9, 2025
Have you noticed a lump on your neck? Although finding a neck mass can be unsettling, most are harmless.
Still, some neck masses could indicate a more serious problem. Knowing which steps to take if you discover a mass in your neck can give you peace of mind and ensure you get timely treatment if needed.
Keep reading to learn more about what you can do about a neck mass.
A neck mass is an abnormal lump or growth in the neck. Depending on the cause, a mass in your neck may be small or big, painless or painful, and firm or soft.
It might change in size, remain the same size, or grow rapidly. Neck masses can be found in the throat area, at the back of your neck, under your jawline, or on the side or front of your neck.
Neck masses are common, but the root cause is not always apparent, meaning an ENT specialist should evaluate them. While most of them are benign, an ENT neck examination is necessary before your doctor can make a diagnosis.
Common neck mass causes include:
The following neck masses can be benign:
Cysts are fluid-filled sacs. They generally feel soft and are painless unless infected.
Lipomas are soft, fat-filled lumps that are typically painless and harmless. They tend to grow gradually and can easily move under your skin.
Fibromas are firm benign growths comprising connective or fibrous tissue. They form when cells start to grow and replicate excessively.
Benign growths are usually harmless. However, it’s best to see your ENT specialist at Specialty Care Institute to be sure.
The underlying cause of your neck mass could be an infection, such as:
Lymph nodes can swell as a result of infections such as strep throat, tonsillitis, mononucleosis, and sinus, ear, or dental infection. They’re part of your immune system and may get bigger when fighting an infection.
Swollen lymph nodes are typically movable and soft and may feel tender to the touch.
An abscess is a pocket of pus that develops due to an infection. It can be painful and caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi.
Infections often result in temporary masses that clear once the infection resolves.
A neck mass on the front of your neck could be a result of thyroid problems:
A goiter is a neck mass that forms when the thyroid gland becomes enlarged due to an underactive or overactive thyroid. It appears in the front part of your neck and moves up and down whenever you swallow.
Thyroid nodules are lumps that develop in the thyroid gland, found in the lower front of your neck. Even though most are benign, some can be cancerous.
A neck mass could be a warning sign of certain cancers, including:
If you have a neck mass, you should visit your ENT specialist as soon as possible. While many neck masses are harmless, if it is due to cancer, early detection is critical for successful treatment.
You should be concerned about a lump in your neck if you experience any of these symptoms:
If you have any of these symptoms in addition to a neck mass, visit an ENT specialist right away.
A neck mass evaluation typically starts with a detailed medical history. Your ENT specialist will ask questions about your health history, lifestyle habits, family history, and symptoms and then perform a thorough physical examination.
During your physical exam, the ENT doctor will check your neck, mouth, throat, eyes, ears, nose, and scalp. They’ll also look for signs of unusual skin changes.
Your ENT specialist may perform an endoscopy based on your symptoms, history, and physical exam. The procedure involves inserting a long, thin tube with a camera and light through your nose to look inside your nose and throat.
Based on the findings, your ENT specialist may order imaging tests like a CT scan, ultrasound, or MRI to correctly diagnose your neck mass. A complete blood count may also assess your overall health and offer insights into various conditions.
Part of the diagnosis can also include a biopsy to determine if the neck mass is benign or cancerous. Depending on the results, your ENT specialist will discuss the next steps and detail the best treatment plan for you.
A neck mass can have many possible causes. If you have a lump on your neck, our top-rated ENT specialists can accurately diagnose what’s behind your symptoms and provide the most effective treatment plan.
Is there a mass on your neck? Schedule your appointment at Specialty Care Institute in Barrington, Elgin, Hoffman Estates, and Arlington Heights, IL, today to discover the root cause and safeguard your health!
