Common symptoms
- Neck swelling or lump
- Thyroid swelling
- Difficulty swallowing
- Neck pain
- Swelling in the head and neck region
- Persistent lumps or swellings
When to see an ENT specialist
- A lump present for more than two to three weeks
- A lump that is growing, hard or fixed
- A lump together with hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, weight loss or unexplained fever
- A swelling at the front of the neck that moves on swallowing (thyroid)
- Tobacco chewing or smoking with any new neck lump — get it checked soon
Do not wait for an appointment. Sudden hearing loss in one ear, difficulty breathing, or a nosebleed that will not stop needs the hospital emergency department now, not an appointment.
How it is assessed
Examination of the neck, mouth, throat and voice box, with endoscopy where needed. Depending on the findings, an ultrasound, fine-needle aspiration (FNAC) and blood tests such as thyroid function may be advised.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause. Infections are treated with medicines. Thyroid swellings may be monitored, treated medically or removed surgically (thyroidectomy). Salivary gland swellings and other neck masses may need surgical removal. As a head and neck surgeon, Dr. Mahesh Santhraya G manages both the evaluation and the surgical care of these conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Is a neck lump a sign of cancer?
Usually not; most are reactive lymph nodes or benign swellings. However, a lump lasting more than a few weeks, especially in adults who smoke or chew tobacco, should be examined promptly.
What is FNAC?
A fine needle draws a few cells from a lump so they can be examined under a microscope. It is quick, usually done without anaesthetic, and often gives a clear answer.
Does every thyroid swelling need surgery?
No. Many thyroid nodules are benign and only need monitoring. Surgery is advised for large swellings causing pressure symptoms, or when tests raise concern.
This page is general information to help you decide when to seek care. It is not a diagnosis — the right treatment depends on examination.