Neck Lumps • Thyroid Nodules
At Advanced ENT
Finding a neck lump can cause a lot of anxiety. While most neck lumps are not harmful, it is advisable to seek medical advice. Read more about when to get medical advice urgently for a neck lump
Dr Lau specialises in managing all types of neck lumps. At Advanced ENT we will help you by making an accurate diagnosis. We will also guide you through the most appropriate treatment, including surgery if needed.
Common neck lumps
Enlarged lymph nodes. These are most commonly due to infections like colds or flu. But sometimes there can be more serious causes like tumours or infections like tuberculosis.
Thyroid nodules.
Salivary gland tumours.
Salivary duct stones causing blockage and inflammation of the salivary gland.
Lumps and bumps involving the skin and adjacent tissue. Common examples of these include epidermal cysts (skin cysts) and lipomas (benign fatty growths).​
Cysts and other growths in the neck.​
How do you diagnose a neck lump?
Making the diagnosis may take several steps:
- The history. We need to know a few things about the lump such as when you first noticed it, if it is painful or growing in size, and whether you have symptoms such as fevers or night sweats. We also need to know about any other medical conditions that you have, and if you smoke or consume alcohol.
- The examination. This includes the lump itself, the rest of the neck, and adjacent areas such as the nose and throat. We may also need to examine your nose and throat with an endoscope. This involves passing a small flexible camera through the nose; and is usually painless.
- The endoscopy. At Advanced ENT Centre we use state of the art digital endoscopy with image enhancement (Pentax i-scan) to provide high resolution imaging of the nose and throat. This advanced imaging technology is useful in screening and diagnosis of cancers of the nose and throat.
- Imaging studies. Imaging studies such as ultrasound, CT scan or MRI scan can help to get a better look at the lump and determine its size, shape, and location.
- Fine needle aspiration for cytology (FNAC). FNAC is a minimally invasive way to make a diagnosis and can be helpful in certain siutations. This investigation involves passing a fine needle into the neck lump through the skin. This allows us to sample some cells to make a diagnosis. We usually use an ultrasound probe to guide the needle position, which makes the biopsy more accurate. The procedure usually produces only minor discomfort.
- Blood tests. We may recommend blood tests and other tests like a chest x-ray in some situations.
Must I have the lump removed?
A neck lump may need to be removed in some situations, including:
- Uncertain diagnosis. If we cannot get a conclusive diagnosis with the initial tests or imaging studies, then it may be best to remove the lump surgically, particularly if has features of concern.
- Enlarging or persistent lump. A lump that is increasing in size, or not going away could be a cause for concern. It may be necessary to remove such a lump.
- Suspicion of cancer. We may suspect cancer from characteristics such as the lump’s size, shape and texture. In addition other examination findings and FNAC may provide confirmation. From here we may recommend removing the lump for diagnosis or as part of treatment if cancer is suspected or confirmed.
- Cosmesis. A lump that is causing unsightly swelling in the neck may need to be removed. Another option for treating large but non-cancerous thyroid nodules is to shrink the nodule using minimally invasive radiofrequency ablation.
We do not need to remove every neck lump. Some lumps can be left alone. While others may need follow up. We will guide you through the options.
What type of surgery is needed for a neck lump?
Dr Lau is experienced in performing the following types of neck lump surgery:
- Thyroid gland surgery (thyroidectomy). Read more in the Advanced ENT guide to surgery for thyroid nodules here.
- Radiofrequency ablation of thyroid nodules. Read more in the Advanced ENT guide to radiofrequency ablation of thyroid nodules here.
- Parotid gland surgery (parotidectomy). Read more in the Advanced ENT guide to surgery for parotid swellings here
- Trans-oral removal of salivary duct stones
- Excision biopsy of cervical lymph nodes and other neck swelling
- Excision of lumps and bumps of the skin and adjacent structures in the head and neck
Other head & neck services at Advanced ENT
- Interdisciplinary surgical & non-surgical management head & neck tumours
- Nasopharyngeal cancer screening
- Office-based endoscopic biopsy and pan-endoscopy for head and neck cancer diagnosis and staging