Neck Masses: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment Methods
The neck is an important body region extending from under the chin to the collarbones. From time to time, masses can develop in this area and these masses can cause physical changes. Neck masses are formations that can be liquid or solid and are called cervical masses in medical language. It is important for individuals who notice masses in the neck area to take this situation seriously and consult an ear, nose and throat specialist.
Neck masses can be seen in all age groups. Not all of these masses, which are common among children and adults, are cancerous, but some of them can be a sign of serious diseases. One of the most common causes of neck masses is inflammation of the lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy).
Lymph nodes are commonly found in the neck and are normally not palpable. However, lymph nodes may enlarge as a result of infections. The swelling that develops due to this infection grows rapidly and can be painful. Swelling of the lymph nodes is a common cause of neck masses, but neck masses can also occur for other reasons such as salivary gland disease, vascular disease, tumours, thyroid gland problems and developmental disorders.
Congenital masses are usually painless and do not show significant changes in size. Tumour-derived masses may be hard or soft depending on whether the tumour is benign or malignant.
Treatment plan is determined depending on the cause of neck masses. Swellings caused by a simple lymph node infection can usually be treated with antibiotic treatment. However, masses that occur for other reasons and require long-term and follow-up may require different treatment methods. For early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, it is important for people who feel a mass in their neck to consult an otolaryngologist. Swellings that grow due to infection are characterised by symptoms of inflammation such as pain, redness, tenderness and temperature increase. Malignant diseases usually progress silently.
Causes of Neck Masses
Neck masses can have various causes. The most common cause is inflammation of the lymph nodes. In addition, other causes can be the following:
1. Malignant Tumors
2. Vascular Tumors
3. Muscle Tissue Growth
4. Subcutaneous Fat Tissue Growth
5. Growth of Skin and Subcutaneous Layers and Tumor Formation
6. Salivary Gland Infections
7. Congenital Cysts
8. Goiter and Goitre Tumors
Symptoms of Neck Masses
Symptoms of neck masses can usually be felt by hand. These masses can also be associated with the following symptoms:
– Night sweats
– Excessive weight loss and fatigue
– High fever
– Difficulty in swallowing
– Blood in saliva
– Bruises on the body for unknown reasons
Symptoms of neck masses are usually associated with pain, but pain may not be observed in every patient.
Diagnostic Methods for Neck Masses
Neck masses are usually first noticed by the patient, felt palpably or associated with symptoms. However, they should be examined by an otolaryngologist for a definitive diagnosis. It is important for the physician to obtain detailed information about the disease. Factors such as whether the patient smokes or drinks alcohol and how long the symptoms have been present are important in the diagnosis. In addition, the physician can make a definitive diagnosis using imaging methods. These methods include:
- Ultrasound: Ultrasound, a radiation-free imaging method, can be used to assess the structure of masses and distinguish the nature of tumours.
- Computed Tomography (CT), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Positron Emission Tomography (PET): These imaging modalities can be used to determine disease severity, mass size and textural characteristics.
- Biopsy: This procedure is used to determine whether the tumour is benign or malignant and to distinguish inflamed tissues from abnormal growing tissues.
Neck Masses Treatment Methods
The treatment method of neck masses may vary depending on the factor causing the mass. Drug treatment can be used in cases such as the following:
- If the mass is caused by infection and is the result of a simple infection, antibiotic treatment may be sufficient.
- However, there are also some cases that require surgical intervention. Surgery may involve a minor operation to remove the mass. Surgical intervention is often recommended for masses that are congenital and usually benign, but surgery may not be necessary for small masses that do not cause discomfort.
- Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can be used in advanced cases where medical treatment or surgical intervention is inadequate or surgery is not possible. These methods can help treat cancer and cancer-related diseases.
A health professional should be consulted for the diagnosis or treatment of any neck mass. In addition, this article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for the advice of a doctor.