

Should I do something about my neck lump? It is for this reason that when they are seen in the neck they will have reached a size that suggests either a significant immune response or some other underlying cause. They normally range in size from a few millimetres to a centimetre. Lymph nodes are designed to mount a local immune response when infection is present. They do increase in size when a local infection or inflammation occurs but they can also become enlarged in association with a cancer. They are found throughout the body and there are a large number of them in the neck. Lymph nodes form part of the body’s immune system. Of course the most common site of origin is from a lymph node. For example, a neck lump may arise from the thyroid or parotid gland. There are a number of structures in the neck that can produce a neck lump. Malignant tumours also arise from the salivary glands.Ī second way of categorising neck lumps is based on where they originate from. The malignant form may originate from lymph nodes and therefore may be as a result of lymphoma or may be secondary to a cancer of the throat. The diagnosis of whether a lump in the neck is benign or malignant will be based on medical history, medical examination and special investigations performed on the neck lump. Benign neck lumps are far more common than malignant ones that are usually associated with cancer. One of these is based on whether they are benign (not dangerous) or malignant. Neck lumps can be categorised in a number of ways. What type of doctor should look at my neck lump?.I have a lump on my neck under my jaw.I have a lump on my neck below my ear.



Should I do something about my neck lump?.
#Movable lump in cheek by jaw skin
For this reason it is important for anyone who has a lump or swelling in the neck that does not appear to be connected to an infection or which has been present for more than a few weeks to see their GP or if associated with the skin - a Consultant Dermatologist.įor more information please read the full article below. However, occasionally a lump in the neck that appears to be swollen lymph nodes will be cancerous. These infections will normally get better and the lymph nodes will then return to normal. Viruses, including glandular fever, can also result in swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Typical causes of infection that will cause the lymph nodes in the neck to swell are the common cold, throat infections such as tonsillitis and laryngitis and tooth infections. When one particular part of the body, such as the head or neck, is infected, the lymph nodes near to the site of the infection swell in response and become tender and sore. Lymph nodes are found throughout the body, including a large number in the neck, and they are instrumental in helping to fight off bacteria and viruses. These are small, pea-sized bundles of white blood cells that form a very important part of the immune system. The most usual cause of a lump in the neck is swollen lymph glands or, more accurately lymph nodes. Mr Vaz answers key questions such as " How long should I wait before getting my neck lump investigated?" and "Shouild I have my neck lump removed?" This detailed article by a leading neck and throat specialist provides advice for anyone who has discovered a lump in the neck and is unsure what to do.
