The Lancashire Clinic

Mr Nigam ENT Treatments - Neck Lumps

There are many causes of lumps in the neck. The most frequently seen lumps or swellings are enlarged lymph nodes, which can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, malignancy and other rare causes.

Enlargement of the submandibular salivary glands (under the jaw) may result from infection or malignancy. Lumps in the skin or just below the skin are often caused by cysts, including sebaceous cysts.

The thyroid gland may also produce a lump, multiple lumps, or swelling in the neck as a result of thyroid disease or malignancy. Most cancers of the thyroid gland are extremely slow growing and often curable by surgery even if they have been present for several years.

The main causes for CERVICAL (NECK) LYMPH NODE ENLARGEMENT are:

Bacterial

  • Strep throat
  • Other types of bacterial pharyngitis (sore throat from a bacterial infection)
  • Cat scratch disease
  • Tuberculosis
  

Viral

  • Infectious mononucleosis
  • HIV disease and AIDS
  • Rubella (German measles)
  • Viral pharyngitis
  • Herpes infections

Malignant

  • Hodgkin's disease
  • Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
  • Leukaemia
  • Metastatic oral lesions (mouth cancer)
  • Other malignancy
  

Thyroid

  • Graves' disease
  • Goiter
  • Cancer of the thyroid

Other

  • Allergic reaction to a drug (medication)
  • Food allergies
  • Other allergic reactions
  

The main causes for SALIVARY GLAND ENLARGEMENT are:

  • Infection
  • Mumps
  • Stone in salivary duct
  • Salivary gland tumour

Symptoms

Call for an appointment with your doctor if you have prolonged and abnormal neck swelling or the presence of lumps.

Investigations

The doctor will obtain your medical history and will perform a physical examination. Medical history questions documenting your neck lump in detail may include the following:

  • Is it a firm lump?
  • Is it a relatively soft, pliable, bag-like (cystic) mass?
  • Is it a painless bag-like (cystic) mass?
  • Is the entire neck swollen?
  • Where is it located?
  
  • Has it been increasing in size?
  • Over how many months?
  • What other symptoms are also present?
  • Is there a rash?
  • Is there difficulty breathing or swallowing?

Treatment

If a thyroid goiter is diagnosed, medical management or surgical removal may be indicated. If a thyroid nodule is suspected, a radioactive thyroid scan, CT scan of the head or neck, or thyroid biopsy may assist in diagnosis and treatment.

If the lump is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be necessary. If the cause is a benign mass or cyst, surgical removal may be necessary.

An endoscopic examination of the throat may also be required to establish if the lump is related to any swelling or ulcer inside the food or air passage.

If you would like a consultation in complete confidence, then please contact Mr Nigams' secretary to book an appointment.