Neck lumps or masses can be any size—large enough to see and feel or very small. While many neck masses are benign, some can indicate more serious conditions, including cancer.
What causes a mass on the neck?
Discovering a growth on your neck can be unnerving, no matter how small or large. A neck mass may be a sign of an infection, or it may indicate a more serious medical condition. It does not necessarily mean you have cancer, but it does mean you may need additional evaluation to receive an accurate diagnosis.
Neck masses are relatively common in adults and occur for many reasons. These include:
Viral or bacterial infection: An ear or sinus infection, strep throat, or dental infection can cause lymph nodes in the neck to swell, resulting in a noticeable mass. The mass should disappear when the infection goes away.
Thyroid conditions: An enlarged thyroid gland can cause a mass in the front of the throat called a goiter. Goiters can sometimes feel like something is stuck in your throat. Thyroid nodules often aren’t discovered until your doctor detects them during a routine exam, but some become large enough to be visible or make it difficult to swallow.
Tumors: Benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) growths may result in visible neck masses. Cancerous neck masses can be due to lymphoma, thyroid or salivary gland cancer, skin cancer, or cancer that has metastasized from another area of the body.
An ENT doctor spends 4 years at college, 4 years at medical school, and then 5 to 7 years after that in a residency program specializing in otolaryngology — head and neck surgery. Our board-certified ENTs pass written and oral exams and participate in continuous education to maintain their certification. When you visit one of our Arizona locations, you can trust you're seeing one of the most qualified specialists in the region and that your care will be second to none.
When To See a Physician
If the lump in your neck has been present for more than 2 to 3 weeks or if you’re not sure how long it has been there, you should schedule an appointment with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist. You should also contact your doctor if you have symptoms consistent with an infection, such as enlarged lymph nodes, a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or pain in the ear. If your neck lump is blocking your airway, you might also have trouble breathing or sound hoarse when speaking.
Diagnosing Neck Masses
The first step in diagnosing a neck mass is a thorough physical exam by an ear, nose, and throat specialist (otolaryngologist). The doctor will assess the size, location, and consistency of the mass and check for other symptoms. Imaging evaluations such as ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs, or PET (positron emission tomography) scans provide detailed information about neck masses.
Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy uses a needle to extract cells from the mass that the physician examines using a microscope. This diagnostic tool often distinguishes between benign and malignant growths. In some cases, an open biopsy—surgery to remove part or all of the mass—is needed to extract a larger tissue sample.
Treating Neck Masses
Our ENT specialists treat neck masses based on their diagnosis. Potential treatment options for a neck mass include:
Antibiotics: Bacterial infections causing neck masses are typically treated with a course of antibiotics. This approach is often effective for resolving infection-related swelling.
Surgery: Your physician may recommend surgery for persistent benign tumors, cancerous growths, or congenital masses that cause discomfort or cosmetic concerns.
For cancerous neck masses, radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be used either alone or in combination with surgery.
Being prepared will help you get the most out of your appointment. Please bring a list of medications you're currently taking and any pertinent test results—such as labs or imaging—to your appointment. Additionally, let your provider know of any drug allergies or medical conditions you have or for which you are being treated and if you've had any prior surgical procedures.
Visit Our ENT Specialists
Understanding neck masses and their potential causes is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment. If you notice an unusual lump or swelling in your neck, especially one that persists for more than 2 weeks, it’s important to consult an ENT specialist at Valley ENT to explore the best management options for your specific situation. Early evaluation can lead to more effective treatment and better outcomes.