Although masses occurring in the neck area can generally be benign, in some cases they can be a sign of serious health problems. Ear, Nose and Throat and Head and Neck Surgery Specialist Assoc. Dr. Nihal Seden Boyoğlu underlined that if any mass is noticed in the neck area, one should consult a physician regardless of whether it is new, old, painful or painless.

What is a Neck Mass?

Yeditepe University Kozyatağı Hospital Ear, Nose and Throat and Head and Neck Surgery Specialist explains that any swelling in the neck area that is abnormal, should not be present, or is different from what is expected is defined as a neck mass, pointing out the importance of early diagnosis in determining appropriate treatment options and preventing possible complications. 

What Causes Masses in the Neck Area?

Our expert explains that the most common cause of neck masses occurring in all age groups is swelling of the lymph nodes. “Lymph nodes are a part of the immune system. Therefore, it may swell due to infections or different health problems. However, when we look at the most common causes of these swellings, we see that infections in the head and neck area such as pharyngitis, teeth, sinuses or tonsils come first. "As the infection in the area is treated, the swelling disappears," she said.

Our Head and Neck Surgery Specialist explained the reasons other than infection as follows:

“Inflammation of the salivary glands or benign tumors of the salivary glands, and sometimes, although rare, malignant tumors, can cause swelling in the neck. There may be swelling of the thyroid gland itself. When thyroid nodules become very large, they can be noticed by both the patient and the physician. Apart from this, sebaceous glands can also cause swelling in the neck."

Are Neck Masses Dangerous?

Stating that neck masses may be caused by the spread of malignant tumors in the head and neck region or the tumor of the lymph nodes themselves, our expert said, “Although malignant tumors are generally less common, they may occur due to the spread of squamous cell cancers in the head and neck region to the lymph nodes. Sometimes, there may be swellings, masses, and palpable lumps in the neck area due to cancer of the lymph tissue itself, that is, cancer of the lymph nodes, which we call 'lymphoma'. "Head and neck squamous cell cancers constitute five percent of newly diagnosed cancers worldwide," she said.

What are the Types of Neck Masses?

Our expert explained that characteristics of the masses, such as being painful or their size, may indicate the underlying cause, and continued as follows:
“Especially new-onset masses are generally considered benign. When it is due to infection, rapid and painful growth may occur. We may be a little more prone to infection with these. On the contrary, masses that last a long time, grow over time, and occur in elderly patients make us think a little more. Rather than the shape of the mass itself, its size, the consistency of the mass, and our findings during examination may lead us in some directions. Especially hard, irregularly shaped and immobile masses make us think of cancer. At the same time, masses causing pressure symptoms; For example, masses that cause shortness of breath, hoarseness because they press on the trachea from the outside, and difficulty swallowing because they put pressure on the esophagus, more often make us think of cancer."

How Are Neck Masses Diagnosed?

Ear, Nose, Throat and Head and Neck Surgery Specialist said, "Anyone who notices a mass in their neck, regardless of whether it is new, old, painful or painless, should definitely consult a physician and the reasons for this should be investigated." She concluded her words as follows: "Sometimes the story the patient tells us is a disease with high fever Being together and having an upper respiratory tract infection can lead us to a direct diagnosis. We may suspect some things during the examination and request further examination.

How Are Neck Masses Treated?

In cases of neck masses, a well-performed neck ultrasound can guide us to the correct diagnosis. If it is due to a tumor, it is usually treated surgically, regardless of benign or malignant tumors. "Even if it is due to infection, we generally treat the neck mass by treating the source of the infection."