A number of masses may develop in your head or neck; these masses may also be called growths, tumors, lumps or bumps. While some head and neck masses are cancerous, many are not. It is important to see a physician if any abnormal bump or lump persists for more than two weeks. If a cancer is present, early detection provides the highest chance of successful treatment.
Some causes of head and neck masses could include:
Enlargement of lymph nodes – part of the immune system and can enlarge when the body rallies to fight and infection.
Benign (non-cancerous) lesions – can grow to cause localized problems and are often removed surgically. These include fatty tumors, cysts, thyroid masses, salivary gland masses and others.
Cancers – sinus, mouth and throat cancers can spread to the neck or to other parts of the body. In the neck, tumors may be either primary or secondary.
You should consider scheduling with one of our physicians if you experience any of the following symptoms:
A simple examination of some masses may allow a physician to determine their cause based on location, size and consistency. In other cases, additional tests may be required.
At your visit with an ENT specialist, you will be given:
Treatments are determined by the cause of the mass. Symptomatic benign neck cysts and masses are usually removed by surgical excision. For more information on treatment of head and neck cancers, please click here.
We are here to ease your worries. Call DeFatta ENT & Allergy at (715) 828-2368 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
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