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Contents
  • Types of Neck Masses
  • Signs of Malignancy
  • Diagnostic Approach

What's That Lump? Understanding Neck Masses in Adults

What's That Lump? Understanding Neck Masses in Adults

What’s This About?

Neck masses can be a concerning discovery, often detected as a new lump by chance. While some are harmless, others might indicate serious conditions.
Contents
  • Types of Neck Masses
  • Signs of Malignancy
  • Diagnostic Approach

Types of Neck Masses

Neck masses can be broadly categorized into infectious, malignant, or inflammatory types. Infectious masses are rare but need urgent treatment. Malignant masses are the most feared and can present with specific signs, like being firm, large, or fixed. Inflammatory masses usually have associated symptoms like tenderness or warmth.

Signs of Malignancy

Certain features in a neck mass raise suspicion for cancer, such as a size greater than 1.5 cm, firmness, or reduced mobility. Other risk factors include being over 40, smoking, or a history of cancer. Symptoms like hoarseness or unexplained weight loss can also point towards a possible malignancy.
A neck mass is an abnormal lump in the neck that can be infectious, malignant, or inflammatory. Key signs of malignancy include size greater than 1.5 cm, firmness, and reduced mobility.

Diagnostic Approach

When a neck mass is suspected to be malignant, a thorough assessment including imaging and biopsy is essential. CT or MRI scans help visualize the mass, while a fine-needle aspiration biopsy can provide tissue for analysis. This ensures a precise diagnosis and guides appropriate treatment.

FAQs

What causes most adult neck masses?

Most neck masses in adults are neoplastic or related to tumors.

How can neck masses be detected?

They are often noticed as lumps during grooming or by others.

What increases cancer risk in neck masses?

Risk factors include age over 40, smoking, and a history of cancer.

Can infections cause neck masses?

Yes, though infectious neck masses are rare and require prompt treatment.

Key Takeaways

Understanding the nature of a neck mass is crucial for timely and appropriate treatment.
Consult with Doctronic to learn more about identifying and managing neck masses.
Additional References
  1. Pynnonen MA, et al. Clinical Practice Guideline: Evaluation of the Neck Mass in Adults. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2017; 157:S1.
  2. Kshirsagar RS, et al. The Adult Neck Mass: Predictors of Malignancy. Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 2021; 165:673.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.