The sudden or gradual appearance of a swelling or swelling in any part of the body should immediately alert the person. Indeed, the proliferation of organs or parts thereof is not the norm. A cause for concern is a swelling on the neck, which can be a symptom of many pathologies. The swelling of this part of the body is often associated with swollen lymph nodes or the thyroid gland. Less commonly, a neck tumor has a different origin. Regardless of why she appeared, it is urgent to consult a doctor. Most often, patients with such neoplasms are referred to an oncologist. After all, any bloating on the body may indicate the development of cancer. Nevertheless, do not panic in advance, the first thing you need to see a doctor and undergo the necessary examinations.
Why does swelling appear on my neck?
Answer the question: "What are the symptoms, causes and treatment of a tumor in the neck?" can only be a specialist. The first thing the doctor should determine is the cause of the appearance of bloating. And also get information about the origin of the neoplasm. Hypertrophic changes in each organ located in this anatomical region can provoke a tumor on the neck. Symptoms also depend on the origin of the pathological protrusion. In most cases, in order to find out why bloating appeared, it is necessary to conduct a histological examination. It consists in splitting off a piece of a tumor and examining it under a microscope. Such a method is necessary to determine the cellular composition of the formation. Thanks to a similar study, you can find out what origin has a tumor on the neck, it refers to benign or malignant. Only after receiving answers to these questions do they begin treatment of the disease.
Swelling on the neck: causes
Since several organs, vessels and nerves are located in the cervical region, the origin of the tumor may be different. The following reasons for the appearance of protrusion are distinguished:
- Inflammatory diseases of the ENT organs. Most often, with acute or chronic pathologies of the throat, nose and ear, an increase in regional lymph nodes occurs. This happens with pharyngitis, laryngitis, tonsillitis, sinusitis, otitis media, etc. After all, the outflow from all of these organs is carried out in the lymph nodes of the neck. In addition, dental pathologies can become the cause of their hypertrophy.
- Benign neoplasms of the neck. Among them, most often there are tumors of the skin and fatty tissue, blood vessels and nerves. Also benign neoplasms can be of organ origin.
- Infectious diseases. These include mononucleosis, influenza, diphtheria. Also, an increase in lymph nodes is possible when they are affected by tuberculosis bacteria.
- Injuries to the cervical region. In this case, there is a slight swelling or swelling of the skin.
- Thyroid disease. If the function of this organ is impaired, goiter often develops. In some cases, the neck is significantly thickened on both sides. Sometimes there are nodular formations of the thyroid gland. Then there is a tumor on the neck on one side.
- Malignant neoplasms. Cancer of any organ can cause an increase in the lymph nodes of the cervical region. Most often metastases are found there. Also, the organs of the cervical region themselves (thyroid gland, larynx, trachea, pharynx, lymph nodes) can undergo malignant growth.
- Leukemia - acute and chronic oncological diseases of the hematopoietic system.
Varieties of cervical tumors
As you see, the etiology of neoplasms is very extensive. In this regard, there are many types of neck tumors. They are classified according to several criteria. The most important is the cellular composition of the formation. There is an evil and benign tumor on the neck. The causes and origin of the neoplasm are not as important as the degree of cell differentiation. After all, the choice of treatment and the prognosis for life depend on this. Benign neck tumors include:
- Papillomas. They grow from the top layer of the skin.
- Lipomas are benign formations of adipose tissue.
- Fibromas. Consist of fibrous connective tissue. They can be formed both from the tissues of the neck, and are organ tumors.
- Neurofibromas.
- Lymphangiomas
Malignant tumors include cancer of any of the organs of the cervical spine. Most often, lymphomas and Hodgkin's disease are found. In addition, thyroid and oral cancer are common. An increase in the neck can be observed both due to the growth of an organ malignant tumor, and due to metastasis to the lymph nodes. More often the second option takes place.
It should be remembered that not only neoplasms can cause a tumor on the neck. Varieties of blisters also include inflammatory diseases of the lymph nodes. In most cases, they are caused by pathologies of ENT organs. Less common is localized lymphadenitis, not associated with other diseases.
Swelling on the neck: symptoms
Symptoms depend on the cause of the appearance and type of tumor. The most pronounced clinical picture is observed with lymphadenitis. In diseases of the throat, symptoms such as pain on one or two sides, hyperemia of the tonsils, the appearance of pus, difficulty swallowing and an increase in body temperature are noted. At the same time, it is the lymph node that increases, which is "responsible" for the affected organ. On palpation, it is hypertrophied, not fused to surrounding tissues. Local redness and fever above the lymph node are noted.
With benign neoplasms of the neck, symptoms are often absent. The only clinical sign is an increase in one of the parties. If hypertrophy is significant, then symptoms of organ compression may occur. This is manifested by a change in voice, difficulty swallowing, unpleasant sensations when bending and turning the head.
Symptoms of cancerous tumors depend on the location of the lesion. Most often, this is dysphagia, a change in voice, pain when eating. If a neck tumor has arisen due to metastasis to the lymph node, then symptoms of cancer intoxication are noted. These include low-grade fever, loss of appetite, decreased ability to work, and worsened condition.
Swelling of the neck of lymphoid origin
In most cases, neck tumors are of lymphoid origin. Such formations can occur both in inflammatory diseases and in cancer pathologies. In any of these cases, an examination is necessary. Indeed, an increase in lymph nodes can signal a lot of pathologies, each of which requires a special approach to treatment. With multiple protrusions, you can suspect Hodgkin's disease - neck cancer. The tumor on the neck will be on both sides and in several places at once. With timely treatment, this disease has a favorable prognosis.
Tumors of the neck with thyroid damage
If the patient suffers from a thyroid disease for a long time and at the same time notes the appearance of nodular formation, it is urgent to consult a doctor. The protrusion on the one hand is often associated with the proliferation of organ tissue. Nevertheless, nodular goiter can develop into cancer. Therefore, histological examination in this case is necessary.
How to diagnose neck tumors?
A swelling or bloating on the neck should be examined by an experienced specialist. Only he can determine which organ is affected. With inflammation of the lymph nodes, diagnosis is limited to palpation. If the doctor suspects the presence of a neoplasm, an instrumental examination is necessary. It includes ultrasound of the thyroid gland, lymph node or other organs, tumor puncture. In some cases, a biopsy and histological examination are indicated.
Differential diagnosis
You can distinguish inflammatory processes from cancer by palpation of the lymph nodes, concomitant symptoms and instrumental examination. With thyroid pathology, in addition to a neck tumor, clinical manifestations such as sweating, exophthalmos, tachycardia, irritability will be observed. Benign lesions are diagnosed by ultrasound and biopsy.
Treatment
The treatment of a cervical tumor depends on the cause. With inflammatory pathologies of the throat, antibacterial drugs are prescribed (Amoxicillin, Ciprolet medicines), rinsing with saline, and chamomile broth. If the tumor is caused by an oncological process, combined treatment is necessary. In most cases, resort to surgery, chemotherapy.