Head and Neck Lumps

What are Neck Lumps?

Neck lumps are swellings or bumps that appear in the neck area. They can vary in size, location, and cause. While many neck lumps are harmless, some may indicate a more serious condition. At Hills Surgical Oncology, located in Norwest and Wahroonga, we understand that discovering a neck lump can be concerning. Our team, led by Dr Muzib Abdul-Razak, a highly skilled head and neck surgeon and surgical oncologist, is dedicated to providing expert care and reassurance for patients with neck lumps.

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What are the different types of Neck Lumps?

There are several types of neck lumps, each with different characteristics and causes. Some common types include:

1. Branchial Cleft Cysts: These are congenital (present at birth) cysts that develop from remnants of embryonic tissue.
2. Thyroglossal Duct Cysts: Another type of congenital cyst that forms along the path of the thyroid gland's development.
3. Ranulas: These are cyst-like swellings that occur on the floor of the mouth or upper neck, caused by blocked salivary glands.
4. Lymph Node Enlargements: Swollen lymph nodes can be caused by infections, autoimmune conditions, or sometimes cancer.
5. Thyroid Nodules: Lumps that form within the thyroid gland.
6. Lipomas: Soft, fatty lumps that grow under the skin.
7. Salivary Gland Tumours: Growths that develop in the salivary glands.

At Hills Surgical Oncology, serving patients in Norwest, Wahroonga and surrounding areas, Dr Muzib Abdul-Razak specialises in diagnosing and treating all types of neck lumps. His expertise as a surgical oncologist in Sydney ensures that patients receive the most appropriate and effective treatment for their specific condition.

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What causes Neck Lumps?

The causes of neck lumps can vary widely depending on the type of lump. Some common causes include:

1. Infections: Bacterial or viral infections can cause lymph nodes to swell.
2. Congenital abnormalities: Some lumps, like branchial cleft cysts and thyroglossal duct cysts, are present from birth.
3. Benign tumours: Non-cancerous growths can form in various neck tissues.
4. Cancerous tumours: In some cases, neck lumps may be a sign of cancer.
5. Autoimmune conditions: Certain autoimmune diseases can cause neck swelling.
6. Trauma: Injuries to the neck area can sometimes result in swelling or lump formation.
7. Salivary gland disorders: Problems with the salivary glands can lead to swelling or cyst formation.

Understanding these causes helps Dr Muzib Abdul-Razak and the team at Hills Surgical Oncology develop targeted treatment plans for patients in the Norwest area and beyond.

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What are the Symptoms of Neck Lumps?

The symptoms of neck lumps can vary depending on the type and cause of the lump. Common symptoms include:

• A visible or palpable swelling in the neck
• Pain or tenderness in the affected area
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing (if the lump is large)
• Changes in voice
• Ear pain
• Fever (if the lump is due to infection)

For specific types of neck lumps:

Branchial Cleft Cysts:

• Usually appear on one side of the neck
• May become infected, causing pain and swelling

Thyroglossal Duct Cysts:

• Often located in the midline of the neck
• Move up and down when swallowing or sticking out the tongue

Ranulas:

• Appear as a soft swelling under the tongue or upper neck
• May cause difficulty speaking or swallowing

Lymph Node Enlargements:

• Can be tender to touch
• May be accompanied by other symptoms like fever or night sweats

If you notice any unusual lumps or swellings in your neck, it's important to seek medical advice promptly. At Hills Surgical Oncology, located in Norwest Private Hospital, we provide comprehensive evaluations for patients concerned about neck lumps.[Image suggestion: A series of images showing visual symptoms of different types of neck lumps]

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How are Neck Lumps diagnosed?

Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment of neck lumps. The diagnostic process typically involves several steps:

1. Physical examination: Dr Abdul-Razak will carefully examine your neck, feeling for any lumps and assessing their size, location, and consistency.
2. Medical history: A detailed discussion about your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors helps in identifying potential causes.
3. Imaging tests: These may include:
   • Ultrasound: To visualise the structure of the lump and surrounding tissues.
   • CT or MRI scans: For a more detailed view of the neck area.
   • PET scan: In some cases, to check for cancer.
4. Fine needle aspiration (FNA): A thin needle is used to take a small sample of cells from the lump for laboratory analysis.
5. Blood tests: To check for signs of infection or other underlying conditions.
6. Biopsy: In some cases, a larger tissue sample may be needed for diagnosis.

As a leading head and neck surgeon in Sydney, Dr Muzib Abdul-Razak uses state-of-the-art diagnostic techniques to ensure accurate and timely diagnosis for patients at Hills Surgical Oncology.

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What Treatments are Available for Neck Lumps?

Treatment for neck lumps depends on the specific type of lump and its cause. At Hills Surgical Oncology, we offer a range of treatment options:

Observation

For some benign lumps that aren't causing symptoms, your doctor may recommend monitoring the lump over time to check for any changes.

Medications

If the lump is caused by an infection, antibiotics may be prescribed. For some autoimmune conditions, medications to suppress the immune system might be used.

Surgery

Many neck lumps require surgical removal. As a skilled surgical oncologist, Dr Abdul-Razak specialises in various surgical procedures for neck lumps:

1. Excision of Branchial Cleft Cysts: The entire cyst and its tract are removed to prevent recurrence.
2. Sistrunk Procedure for Thyroglossal Duct Cysts: This involves removing the cyst, part of the hyoid bone, and the tract leading to the base of the tongue.
3. Ranula Excision: The ranula and often the associated salivary gland are removed.
4. Lymph Node Biopsy or Removal: Depending on the cause, individual nodes or groups of nodes may be removed.
5. Thyroidectomy: For thyroid nodules, part or all of the thyroid gland may be removed.

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Treatment for cancerous lumps

If a neck lump is found to be cancerous, treatment may involve a combination of:

1. Surgery to remove the tumour
2. Radiation therapy
3. Chemotherapy
4. Targeted drug therapies

At Hills Surgical Oncology, Dr Muzib Abdul-Razak works closely with a multidisciplinary team to develop personalised treatment plans for each patient. Our goal is to provide the most effective treatment while minimising side effects and preserving quality of life.

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What should I expect during recovery from neck lump surgery?

If you require surgery for a neck lump, knowing what to expect during recovery can help you prepare:

1. Hospital stay: Depending on the procedure, you may be able to go home the same day or may need to stay overnight.
2. Pain management: You may experience some discomfort, which can usually be managed with prescribed pain medications.
3. Incision care: You'll receive instructions on how to care for your incision to promote healing and minimise scarring.
4. Activity restrictions: You'll need to avoid strenuous activities for a period determined by your surgeon.
5. Follow-up appointments: Regular check-ups will be necessary to monitor your healing progress.

At Hills Surgical Oncology, we provide comprehensive post-operative care to ensure a smooth recovery process for all our patients.

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When should I seek medical advice for a Neck Lump?

It's important to seek medical advice if you notice:

1. A new lump in your neck that doesn't go away after 2-3 weeks
2. A lump that is growing in size
3. A lump accompanied by symptoms like difficulty swallowing, breathing, or persistent hoarseness
4. Any neck lump in a child

Remember, most neck lumps are not serious, but early evaluation can provide peace of mind and ensure prompt treatment if needed.