Neck Lumps
Neck Lumps Overview
This page provides information about the assessment and surgical management of neck lumps. Dr Griffin is an ENT, Head and Neck Surgeon. The information below outlines common reasons for neck lump investigation, the general surgical approach, and expected recovery considerations.
General Indications for Neck Lumps
Neck lumps can occur for many reasons. Assessment and, in some cases, surgical removal may be recommended for conditions such as:
- Lymphadenopathy
Enlarged lymph nodes may occur due to infection, inflammation, or other medical conditions. Persistent or unexplained lymph node enlargement may require investigation or biopsy. - Salivary gland tumours
Growths arising from the salivary glands may be benign or malignant. Surgical removal may be required for diagnosis and appropriate management. - Branchial cleft cysts or sinuses
Congenital abnormalities that may present as cysts or sinus tracts in the neck. Surgery is often recommended to reduce the risk of infection or recurrence. - Other neck masses
This includes benign soft-tissue lesions, thyroid-related masses, and other structural lumps that require specialist evaluation.
Results vary between individuals. Further tests such as ultrasound, CT, MRI, or fine-needle aspiration cytology may be required before determining appropriate management.
Neck Lumps Operation
If surgical excision is required, the procedure generally involves:
- Anaesthesia: The operation is performed under general anaesthesia.
- Incision: An incision is planned according to the location and type of lump.
- Dissection and removal: The lump or mass is dissected and removed. Care is taken to preserve important nearby structures such as nerves and blood vessels. The extent of surgery depends on the underlying diagnosis.
- Haemostasis: Bleeding is controlled throughout the procedure.
- Closure: The incision is closed with sutures or staples. A dressing may be applied. In some cases, a drain may be placed temporarily to reduce fluid accumulation.
Outcomes cannot be guaranteed and vary between individuals.
Recovery After Neck Lumps
Recovery typically includes:
- Pain management: Some discomfort at the surgical site is expected. Pain relief advice will be provided.
- Dietary considerations: A soft diet may be recommended temporarily if the surgical site is close to swallowing structures.
- Activity restrictions: Strenuous activity and heavy lifting should be avoided during early recovery to reduce the risk of complications.
- Wound care: Instructions will be provided for monitoring the incision and any dressings or drains.
- Follow-up care: Review appointments are scheduled to monitor healing and review any pathology results.
Recovery time varies between patients. Revision surgery may occasionally be required depending on healing, diagnosis, or complications.
Surgical Risks
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Please note that all surgical procedures carry risks, including the possibility of complications during and after surgery.
While high standards of medical care and safety are always our priority, individual results and recovery times may vary. Each patient’s experience is unique based on their medical history, condition, and other factors. We strongly encourage you to discuss any concerns and the specific risks related to your procedure with Dr Griffin during your consultation. This discussion will provide you with detailed information tailored to your personal health profile and help you make an informed decision.
The information provided here is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional for personalised diagnosis and treatment.
Post-op Instructions
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If you or your child has a neck lump requiring assessment, an appointment can be arranged to review symptoms, conduct appropriate investigations, and discuss management options.
