Mass Formation on the Neck

Mass Formation on the Neck

Mass formation in the neck can lead to symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or hoarseness. Read on to find out more!

When a person realizes that there is a mass in their neck, they can be alarmed. After all, the first thing that comes to mind is cancer. However, there are many other reasons besides cancer that cause this condition. In fact, not all are malignant. For example, an infection, cyst, and a benign tumor can also cause mass formation in the neck.

The main reason for being a neck mass is the round structures called lymph node that are part of the immune system and spread throughout the body.

They help the body recognize and fight infections and often tend to swell. This is a very common and temporary situation.

In this article we will talk about everything you need to know about mass formation on the neck.

Mass Formation on the Neck: Main Causes

As we mentioned above, the most common cause of a mass in the neck is swollen lymph nodes. Speaking comprehensively, these can occur for many reasons:

Infection in a nearby area.  For example,  a cold or throat infection. This is very common, especially in children. It is also worth mentioning mononucleosis, tooth abscess and tonsillitis.

Lymph node infection is also called lymphadenitis.

Systemic diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis.

Moreover, certain immune system disorders can also cause mass formation in the neck. This is because they cause swelling of lymph nodes, just like infections.

The most prominent disease is rheumatoid arthritis . In this disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. This condition mainly affects the joints.

Similarly, certain medications can cause the lymph nodes to become larger. Another cause of the lump formed on the neck are cysts. Cysts are fluid-filled bags. Cysts are the easiest to recognize because most are present from birth. Another possible cause is the salivary gland problem.

But we also cannot ignore the fact that it can be caused by cancer. Note that malignant tumors are more common in older elderly people.

The lymph nodule itself can also be cancerous, a tumor that spreads from neighboring structures. There may even be a metastasis of a tumor located at a distant point.

Alarming signs and symptoms that indicate a mass in your neck

If you have a lump on your neck, you should go to a doctor for a checkup and see a doctor . It is very important to carry out the necessary tests that can ensure diagnosis. But in addition to complementary tests, various signs can help guide you in the nature of these masses.

A soft and painful mass is usually indicative of infection . These masses tend to disappear after a while. Moreover, lymphadenitis tends to cause tenderness in lymph nodes. If the mass is hard, immobile and does not hurt, there may be a tumor.

Tumors can also lead to symptoms such as aphonia (hoarseness) or difficulty swallowing . If you have a mass that does not disappear around your neck and cause any of the symptoms we mentioned here, go to your doctor as quickly as possible.

Neck swelling woman

Diagnostic tests

Various tests can provide medical diagnosis. However, if the patient is young, the probability of causing the tumor is weak. Also, if there are signs of an infection in the nearby area, these tests are not usually required. Likewise, medical professionals evaluate the density of the mass and whether it causes pain.

Medical professionals usually require a complete blood count first. They may also want an X-ray. More precise tests can be done if there are warning signs or risk factors for cancer . A biopsy, in which part of the lump is removed for examination, is one of these tests.

Result

Masses formed on the neck are often caused by an enlarged lymph nodule size. The most common reason for this is an infection that usually disappears on its own and is located in the nearby area.

However, you should also pay attention to other symptoms. This may be a tumor if the lump in your neck is painful and immobile. The ideal thing is to go to your doctor to find out what it is.