A number of masses may develop in your head or neck; these masses may also be called growths, tumors, lumps or bumps. While some head and neck masses are cancerous, many are not. It is important to see a physician if any abnormal bump or lump persists for more than two weeks. If a cancer is present, early detection provides the highest chance of successful treatment.<\/p>\n\n\n
There are numerous causes of head and neck masses:<\/p>\n\n\n
This is the most common cause of new neck masses. Lymph nodes, which are part of the immune system, can enlarge when the body rallies to fight an infection. When the infection recedes, lymph swelling subsides as well.<\/p>\n\n\n
Benign masses do not spread to surrounding tissue and are not cancerous. Nevertheless, benign masses can be serious if they impact nerves or exert pressure in the head and neck, and are often removed surgically. These include cysts, thyroid masses, vascular masses, salivary gland masses and others.<\/p>\n\n\n
When head and neck masses are malignant they can spread to surrounding tissue or to other parts of the body. In the head and neck, tumors may be either primary or secondary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Primary tumors originate in the head or neck itself, including the thyroid, throat, larynx, salivary gland, brain or other locations. Primary tumors of the head and neck typically spread to the lymph nodes in the neck. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
About 90 percent of head and neck cancers are caused by tobacco and alcohol use. People who have been exposed to radiation, either during medical treatments as children (common in decades past) or from nuclear radiation sources, are at considerable risk for thyroid cancer and should be screened yearly. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Secondary cancers are tumors that have spread from primary tumors in other parts of the body to the head or neck. Most often, secondary tumors of the neck originate in the lung, breast, kidney or from skin cancers (squamous cell carcinoma or melanoma). <\/p>\n\n\n
You should see your physician if you experience any of the following symptoms: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
A simple examination of some masses may allow a physician to determine their cause based on location, size and consistency. In other cases, additional tests may be required. These tests include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Treatments are determined by the cause of the mass. Benign neck cysts and masses are usually removed by surgical excision. Head and neck cancers may be treated by some combination of radiation therapy, chemotherapy and surgery, depending on their nature.<\/p>\n\n\n