Neck Masses
Masses, which are sometimes palpable and sometimes detected during examination, can be seen in the neck region. While these masses can be caused by the body due to genetic factors, they can also form due to lifestyle, an infection, a congenital cystic mass, or a malignant tumor spread to the lymph nodes. Common ones include lymphadenopathies (glands) caused by infection, branchial cleft cysts caused by lifestyle, thyroglossal cysts and fistulas, hemangiomas, arteriovenous malformations, dermoid cysts. These formations can be seen in the neck region, lymph nodes, thyroid glands, salivary glands, between muscle layers, or in blood vessels of the neck.
Causes And Symptoms of Neck Masses
Lymphadenopathies (glands) are glands that are frequently seen in childhood and are formed by swelling of the lymph nodes secondary to infection. Lymphs that are involved in the immune system may swell and form a gland while they show an immune response to infection. While congenital masses can affect the salivary and thyroid glands, they can also appear in adulthood. Depending on the lifestyle, tumor formation can be seen later. Especially due to alcohol consumption and smoking, malignant cyst formations can be seen in the neck regions of individuals.
The major symptom of neck masses is the feeling of a palpable mass. Besides that, a specialist should be consulted for symptoms such as bloody cough, chronic fatigue, involuntary weight loss, difficulty in swallowing, night sweats, difficulty breathing, or hoarseness.
Neck Mass Treatment
First of all, the origin of the neck mass should be determined. For this, necessary blood tests, radiological examinations, and biopsy evaluation are performed with a piece collected from the mass area when necessary. However, especially cysts caused by an infection are treated with drug treatment and are followed up. Regular follow-up is also performed for other masses or cysts. If the cysts are large and your doctor deems it appropriate, the cysts are surgically removed. However, if the cyst turns out to be malignant, surgical intervention can be performed, while chemotherapy can be initiated when necessary.