Mr Peyman Alam
Oral & maxillofacial surgery

Neck lumps: What to know

Written in association with: Mr Peyman Alam

Published: 30/12/2022

Edited by: Sophie Kennedy

Coming across a lump in the neck can be worrying. In most cases, however, neck lumps have a non-serious cause and will resolve themselves with the treatment of any accompanying infection or inflammation. Nonetheless, as highly respected consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeon Mr Peyman Alam explains in this informative article, it’s important to see a doctor about any persistent lumps or swellings in the neck.

What are the most common causes of neck lumps?

The most common cause of a lump in the neck is an enlarged lymph node. This could be as a result of infection, inflammation or some types of benign or malignant tumours. Another cause of neck lumps could be enlarged salivary glands, such as the mandibular gland, as a result of an enlarged thyroid gland which is found in the midline of the neck. There are also other causes, which are rare such as vascular malformations or cysts.

Is a neck lump cause for concern?

A worrying feature of a neck lump is when it does not disappear and persists for longer than 3 to 4 weeks. Additionally, associated symptoms such as weight loss, change of voice, difficulty swallowing or breathing and night sweats, may be a cause for concern. It’s important to see your doctor about any symptoms or changes you notice.

How are neck lumps assessed?

The first step would be a clinical examination by palpating (feeling) the neck, as well as the mouth. Next, we would perform a scan, such as an ultrasound, CT or MRI scan. As part of the ultrasound scan, we can also carry out a biopsy known as FNA biopsy, or fine needle aspiration cytology.

Which type of specialist should I see about a neck lump?

Any specialist with expertise and skill in head and neck surgery can advise on a neck lump. In the UK, this is usually an oral and maxillofacial surgeon with head and neck or ear, nose and throat (ENT) training.

Do neck lumps go away on their own?

This really depends on the cause of the neck lump. For instance, if it is due to infection, then antibiotics and resolution of the infection will get rid of the lump. If the neck lump is due to a malignant tumour or cancer, the neck lump will not go away on its own and will require urgent treatment.

If you are concerned about a neck lump and wish to schedule a consultation with Mr Alam, you can do so by visiting his Top Doctors profile.

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By Mr Peyman Alam

Oral & maxillofacial surgery in West Sussex

Mr Peyman Alam is a highly accomplished consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeon at both Nuffield Health and St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester. He has experience in thyroid and parathyroid surgery as well as management of head and neck cancer and reconstruction using microvascular techniques. He also has vast experience in the management of salivary gland disease and skin cancer. After completion of undergraduate and post graduate dental degrees, Mr Alam gained his primary ...

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We will call you back

By Mr Peyman Alam
Oral & maxillofacial surgery

Mr Peyman Alam is a highly accomplished consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeon at both Nuffield Health and St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester. He has experience in thyroid and parathyroid surgery as well as management of head and neck cancer and reconstruction using microvascular techniques. He also has vast experience in the management of salivary gland disease and skin cancer.

After completion of undergraduate and post graduate dental degrees, Mr Alam gained his primary medical qualification from Leeds School of Medicine in 2002 and was fully registered to practice the following year. He continued his studies at Yorkshire School of Surgery, where he undertook basic surgical training in general surgery, orthopaedics and plastic surgery. Mr Alam completed higher surgical training in oral and maxillofacial surgery in 2010 in the North West of England. His keen interest and passion for the management of patients with head and neck cancer encouraged him to apply for the Advanced Head and Neck Surgical Oncology Training Fellowship through national selection by the UK Joint Committee for Higher Surgical Training. He successfully completed his fellowship in the internationally-renowned Queen Victoria Hospital, East Grinstead.

Mr Alam widened his extensive skills by gaining further training in thyroid surgery under supervision of a well-known ENT surgeon, whilst taking an appointment as an honorary fellow in otolaryngology at Maidstone Hospital, Kent. This enabled him to be an oral and maxillofacial who holds full membership with the British Association of Endocrine and Thyroid Surgeons of England.

Mr Alam is currently a consultant oral and maxillofacial surgeon at University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust and is the lead clinician for head and neck oncology as well as thyroid and parathyroid surgery at St Richard's Hospital, Chichester. He also holds an honorary consultant head and neck surgery post at Queen Alexander Hospital, Portsmouth where he performs his major head and neck cancer surgery.

Mr Alam has written and contributed to numerous medical publications and book chapters.

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