Neck Lumps, (Cervical Masses) A Simple Guide To The Condition, Diagnosis, Treatment And Related Conditions

A neck lump is a medical disorder where there is a lump, bump, or swelling in the neck.
Lumps observed or felt in the neck are common.
Sometimes the patient may notice a lump in the neck when looking at a mirror or another person notices the lump and informs the patient.
Most neck lumps are benign (non-cancerous) but it is always advisable to have it investigated to determine the underlying cause or disorder.
1. The most common lumps or swellings are enlarged lymph nodes.
These can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, malignancy (cancer), or other rare causes.
2. The second most common lump in the neck is a congenital neck swelling called the thyroglossal duct cyst.
3. Lumps in the muscles of the neck can also be caused by injury or torticollis.
4. Lumps in the skin or just below the skin are often produced by cysts, such as sebaceous cysts.
5. Swollen salivary glands under the jaw may be caused by infection or cancer.
6. The thyroid gland may also produce swelling or one or more lumps.
All neck lumps in children and adults should be evaluated right away by a doctor.
Lumps in the neck from swollen lymph nodes may be caused by:
1. Bacterial or viral infection
2. Cancer
3. Thyroid disease
4. Allergic reaction
Lumps in the neck due to enlarged salivary glands may be caused by:
1. Infection
2. Mumps
3. Salivary gland tumor
4. Stone in salivary duct
Lumps due to the skin may be:
1. Sebaceous cyst,
2. Wart
3. Abscess,
4. Dermoid cyst.
5. Lipoma
All suspicious lumps require an ENT examination before biopsy (refer to ENT to try to find the primary cause).
Investigations of consistent lumps may involve fine-needle aspirate or excision biopsy, CXR and ultrasound or MRI or CT scanning.
If the lump is caused by a bacterial infection, the patient may need to take antibiotics.
If the cause is a non-cancerous mass or cyst, the patient may need surgery to remove it.
If the cause is a cancerous mass or cyst, the patient may need surgery, radiation treatment or chemotherapy to remove it

TABLE OF CONTENT
Introduction
Chapter 1 Neck Lumps
Chapter 2 Causes
Chapter 3 Symptoms
Chapter 4 Diagnosis
Chapter 5 Treatment
Chapter 6 Prognosis
Chapter 7 Lymphadenopathy
Chapter 8 Thyroid Nodules
Epilogue