Lump or Swelling in the Neck – Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Lump or Swelling in the Neck – Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment at Emirates Hospitals Group

A lump or swelling in the neck can result from infections, swollen lymph nodes, cysts, or more serious conditions such as thyroid disorders or cancer. While some neck lumps are temporary and harmless, persistent or growing lumps require medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause.

Causes of Lump or Swelling in the Neck

• Swollen Lymph Nodes: Commonly caused by infections (such as colds, flu, or strep throat), autoimmune diseases, or, in rare cases, cancer.
• Thyroid Disorders: An enlarged thyroid (goiter), thyroid nodules, or thyroid cancer can cause swelling in the front of the neck.
• Salivary Gland Disorders: Infections, stones, or tumors in the salivary glands may cause swelling near the jawline.
• Cysts: Benign growths such as sebaceous cysts or branchial cleft cysts can develop under the skin and sometimes become infected.
• Abscesses: Bacterial infections can lead to pus-filled lumps, often painful and warm to the touch.
• Lipomas: Soft, fatty lumps that grow slowly and are usually harmless.
• Head and Neck Cancers: Persistent lumps that do not resolve over time may be linked to cancers of the throat, thyroid, or lymphatic system.

Diagnosis of Lump or Swelling in the Neck

Medical evaluation may include:

• Physical Examination: Assessing size, texture, and mobility of the lump.
• Blood Tests: Checking for infections, thyroid function, or autoimmune diseases.
• Ultrasound or CT Scan: Imaging to evaluate the structure and location of the lump.
• Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) Biopsy: Sampling cells from the lump to check for malignancy.

Treatment for Lump or Swelling in the Neck

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:

• Antibiotics: For bacterial infections or swollen lymph nodes caused by infections.
• Surgical Removal: For cysts, lipomas, or tumors that require removal.
• Thyroid Medications or Surgery: For thyroid-related lumps.
• Cancer Treatment: If malignancy is detected, options may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

Any unexplained or persistent neck swelling should be evaluated by a doctor to rule out serious conditions and determine the appropriate treatment.

Related Treatments

• Thyroid Nodules