What are the possible causes of head and neck lumps?

In his latest online article, renowned maxillofacial surgeon Mr Leo Vassiliou delves into the different types of head and neck lumps, as well as their possible causes, symptoms and diagnosis.

What are the possible causes of lumps in the head and neck?

There are many reasons a lump may develop on the head or neck, with one of the most common causes being an increase in the size of a lymph node. We have many lymph nodes both under the skin and in the deep areas of the neck, and they are part of our immune system. The nodes swell up naturally as a healthy response to an infection or inflammation. The swelling can also occur due to the immune system responding to a systemic disorder of the blood, such as lymphomas, leukaemia, or other forms of cancer.

Lumps could also be related to salivary glands, which are found all around the head and neck area, especially on the sides and under the jaw. Salivary gland abnormalities like obstruction or blockage because of a stone or a tumour may be responsible for a lump in the head and neck region.

When should I be concerned about a lump in my neck or head?

It's important to seek medical advice every time you feel a lump in your head or neck. This is especially important if the swelling persists for over a week and is not related to any recent cold, sore throat or infected tooth.

How are head and neck lumps diagnosed by a maxillofacial surgeon?

There are three steps in the diagnosis of head and neck lumps:

• A concise and comprehensive history of the symptoms and the patient’s medical history
• A clinical examination
• Additional investigations such as ultrasound, CT or MRI scans.

In order to reach a diagnosis, we will need to have a history of the symptoms arising from the lump, as well as a very comprehensive and detailed clinical examination.

On some occasions, we may require a small sample, like fluid from the lump. This will be sent to the laboratory for appropriate investigations, such as cytology or histology.

What are the treatment options available for different types of head and neck lumps?

The treatment options will relate to the diagnosis. If the lump proves to be completely benign, then it may require no treatment at all. On some occasions, the lump can be treated with medication.

If the lump arises from a salivary gland, the treatment may require surgery, which has to be done by a surgeon who specialises in the treatment of head and neck lumps.

On very rare occasions, if the lump is related to mouth or throat cancer, then the treatment has to be far more comprehensive. It will be treated by a multi-disciplinary team, who will address the primary cause of the lump (the underlying cancer).

Are there any lifestyle or home remedies to manage or prevent head and neck lumps?

The general advice is to lead a healthy lifestyle with good nutrition and avoidance of any harmful habits such as smoking or excessive alcohol drinking. Very rarely, a lump could be related to sun-damaged skin and skin cancer that has metastasised to a lymph node. Ultraviolet or sunlight protection is quite important, but certainly, anyone can develop head and neck lumps. It is imperative that you seek early advice when you are worried about a new lump in the head and neck.

If you would like to book a consultation with Mr Leo Vassiliou, you can do so today via his Top Doctors profile.