{"id":98,"date":"2019-01-29T11:22:34","date_gmt":"2019-01-29T19:22:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mthoodent.com\/ent\/throat\/head-neck-masses\/"},"modified":"2021-11-02T15:43:37","modified_gmt":"2021-11-02T22:43:37","slug":"head-neck-masses","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/mthoodent.com\/ent\/throat\/head-neck-masses\/","title":{"rendered":"Head & Neck Masses"},"content":{"rendered":"\r\n

Head and neck masses<\/strong> can develop from various causes such as enlarged lymph nodes, congenital cysts or tumors. Most neck masses are caused by enlarged lymph nodes. They are typically benign, but they can affect all age groups.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Lymph nodes can become enlarged as a result of a nearby infection such as a cold, a bacterial infection of the lymph nodes or a bacterial infection elsewhere in the body. An infection of the body will cause multiple lymph nodes to enlarge. The most common causes of this type of reaction are mononucleosis (mono), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and tuberculosis (TB).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Cancerous masses are more common in older people and these masses are not painful or tender but are hard to the touch. They usually develop from cancer that has spread from the mouth or throat.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Cysts are common in younger people. They are hollow masses, fluid-filled and usually painless unless they become infected.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Head and neck masses should always be evaluated by a doctor such as an ENT specialist<\/a>. The doctor will try to figure out how long the mass has been there, whether it is painful and if you are at risk for any viral or bacterial infections such as HIV or TB. They will examine the mass itself, check to see if there are sores or growths in the mouth, and if you are experiencing any difficulty swallowing<\/a> or hoarseness<\/a>. To rule out cancer, they may need to use endoscopy, imaging, blood tests or biopsy to diagnose the masses<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

No treatment is typically needed for a head or neck masses, but some may require medication or radiation depending on the diagnosis. If the results come back and the mass is cancerous, the lump as well as the lymph node may need to be removed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If you or someone you care for has a head and neck mass, contact our office at (503) 257-3204<\/span><\/a> or request a visit online<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The type of neck mass varies with the age group.<\/h3>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n