Swelling in the neck can be a sign of cancer

Ear Nose and Throat Specialist Assoc. Dr Aylin Gül stated that the swelling in the neck area could be the result of a simple infection, or sometimes a sign of a serious illness.

Ear Nose and Throat Specialist Assoc. Dr Aylin Gül said in a statement: “The most common cause of swelling in the neck is the enlargement of the lymph nodes. Normally we have lymph nodes in our neck. However, these lymph nodes are not palpable and not visible from the outside. Enlarged lymph nodes are often caused by infections. The infection can cause swelling by settling directly in the neck area, or it can also cause neck swelling indirectly by spreading to the lymph nodes in the neck after settling in the head and throat area, such as teeth, mouth, or tonsils. They are usually painful, grow quickly and may be more than one. Cysts of the salivary glands, thyroid gland, larynx, muscle and other tissues in the neck, benign tumors and diseases due to the later emergence of some congenital problems can also cause swelling in the neck. Congenital cysts are another cause of neck swelling. These cysts often appear as painless swellings that do not increase in temperature or change color, and do not change size for a long time. If the lymph nodes in the head and neck region are enlarged due to the spread of a malignant tumor to this area, or if the mass itself is the result of malignant tissue diseases in this area, the swelling can often be hard and adherent.

associate Dr. Aylin Gul noted that when swelling in the neck is noticed, it is necessary to see a specialist doctor. He added that the swellings in the children’s necks were mainly enlargements of the lymph nodes due to infection. He pointed out that malignant tumors should be borne in mind with neck swelling seen in old age and showing rapid growth.

Ear Nose and Throat Specialist Assoc. Dr Aylin Gül said: “The cause of swelling is not always discovered on the initial examination. In this case, how long the swelling has been, whether there are other accompanying symptoms, the patient’s age, whether there are similar swellings in other parts of the body are very helpful in diagnosis. After a detailed examination and endoscopic examination by the otolaryngologist, imaging methods such as ultrasound, computed tomography and magnetic resonance studies can be used in addition to blood tests to aid in diagnosis. Sometimes the diagnosis cannot be made by these tests and it may be necessary to take fluid from the swelling in the neck with a thin needle and send this fluid to pathology.

How treatment is planned

associate Dr Gül said: ‘Treatment is often determined by the cause of the swelling. Drug treatments and antibiotics are often sufficient for lymph node enlargement due to inflammation in the region. While 10-14 days of antibiotic use is sufficient, it may take 2-3 weeks for the lymph node to clear completely. Swelling, masses, and benign tumors in the neck that don’t improve with medications are surgically removed and treated. If this swelling is a congenital cystic mass, treatment is usually surgical removal of the mass. If, as a result of the tests, it is determined that the lymph node enlargement is caused by a malignant tumor in the head and neck region, surgical treatment, including the removal of this region and other lymph nodes in the head and neck region, may be necessary. the neck. In addition, the patient may need to receive radiotherapy-chemotherapy afterwards.