Skip navigation | ||
|
||
Medical Encyclopedia |
|
Other encyclopedia topics: | A-Ag Ah-Ap Aq-Az B-Bk Bl-Bz C-Cg Ch-Co Cp-Cz D-Di Dj-Dz E-Ep Eq-Ez F G H-Hf Hg-Hz I-In Io-Iz J K L-Ln Lo-Lz M-Mf Mg-Mz N O P-Pl Pm-Pz Q R S-Sh Si-Sp Sq-Sz T-Tn To-Tz U V W X Y Z 0-9 |
Contents of this page: | |
|
|
Alternative names Return to top
Lump in the neckDefinition Return to top
A neck lump is any lump, bump, or swelling in the neck.Considerations Return to top
There are many causes of lumps in the neck. The most frequently seen lumps or swellings are enlarged lymph nodes, which can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, malignancy, and other rare causes.Common Causes Return to top
CERVICAL (NECK) LYMPH NODE ENLARGEMENTHome Care Return to top
Consult your health care provider for treatment of the cause of the neck lump.Call your health care provider if Return to top
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have prolonged and abnormal neck swelling or the presence of lumps.
What to expect at your health care provider's office Return to top
The health care provider will obtain your medical history and will perform a physical examination.
Medical history questions documenting your neck lump in detail may include the following:
If a thyroid goiter is diagnosed, medical management or surgical removal may be indicated. If a thyroid nodule is suspected, a radioactive thyroid scan, CT scan of the head or neck, or thyroid biopsy may assist in diagnosis and treatment.
If the lump is caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics may be necessary. If the cause is a benign mass or cyst, surgical removal may be necessary.
Update Date: 5/4/2003 Updated by: Bridget Martell, M.D., Department of Internal Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
Home | Health Topics | Drug Information | Encyclopedia | Dictionary | News | Directories | Other Resources | |
Copyright | Privacy | Accessibility | Selection Guidelines U.S. National Library of Medicine, 8600 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20894 National Institutes of Health | Department of Health & Human Services |
Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |