Neck Mass
Feeling a bump in the neck is a common thing most of us go through at some point in our lives. Fortunately, this is usually the benign swelling of a lymph node which is the manufacturing plant of many of the body's defenses. Occasionally however, it can be something that requires medical attention. If a nodule or bump is bigger than 1cm, or has a strange appearance, and has been present for longer than 2 weeks; evaluation by a head and neck specialist is warranted. This is particularly so if it arises in combination with ear pain, sore throat, voice changes, feeling of something caught in your throat, or other symptoms of a similar duration.Thyroid Goiter
Thyroid goiter is one of the most common acquired neck masses in adults. These are usually identified as a bump in the neck below the Adam's apple and typically moves with the Adam's apple when the patient swallows. Thyroid nodules have around a 10% chance of being a type of cancer. As people age, their risk of having thyroid nodules increases dramatically, and thus it is important to follow current ATA guidlines in distinguishing who needs a more detailed workup, and more importantly what is needed in that workup. The typical workup of a thyroid nodule requires an Ultrasound, and possibly an Ultrasound-guided biopsy. Molecular analysis exists today which allows us to better detect which thyroid nodules require surgery, and thus it is important to choose a physician who uses these tests when they are needed.Cancer
Occasionally, the reason for a mass in the neck is due to a cancer developing somewhere in the head and neck. This risk is particularly elevated in patients with a smoking history. With modern changes in society, and particularly with changes in sexual behavior, one of the fastest growing causes of cancer in the head and neck is cancer related to HPV infection of the tonsil or base of tongue. Patients with HPV associated cancer tend to be younger and with little to no smoking history. For these reasons, any mass felt in the neck that has been present for > 2 weeks should be evaluated by a specialist in cancers of the head and neck. In contrast with thyroid nodules or goiters, the radiologic exam of choice for masses of the side of the neck is a contrast enhanced CT scan. Usually, an Ultrasound guided needle biopsy will be ordered to further characterize the mass and further direct the next steps in the workup.If you've felt a bump in your neck, make an appointment with Dr York today, CLICK HERE!