Pay attention to the swelling in your neck!

A small lump you notice on your neck could be much more than you think. Ear, nose, and throat specialist Prof. Dr. Hüseyin Seven emphasizes that any lump or swelling noticed later in the neck should be taken seriously. "Neck mass is a general term for any lump or swelling in the neck that shouldn't normally be present," he says. "Most of these are infectious and benign, but some can be a sign of a serious illness."

THE MOST COMMON CAUSE: INFECTION Emphasizing that infections are the most common cause of neck masses, Prof. Dr. Seven said, "Benign tumors, congenital anomalies, and malignant tumors should also be considered. Masses are usually noticed by the person themselves or a relative when they become palpable or visible." Emphasizing the need to be vigilant about any new swelling or mass in the neck area, Prof. Dr. Seven warned, "Early diagnosis and treatment make a significant difference, especially in the management of malignant diseases. Therefore, no mass should be ignored."

Professor Seven stated that physical examination is often sufficient for diagnosing neck masses, adding, "An ear, nose, and throat examination and the patient's medical history are often sufficient for diagnosis. However, in some cases, advanced examinations such as laboratory tests, radiologic imaging, or fine-needle aspiration biopsy may be necessary."

Prof. Dr. Seven stated that the treatment process is entirely determined by the disease causing the mass, adding, "While simple medical treatment may be sufficient for some patients, surgical intervention or oncological treatment may be necessary in some cases. Every neck mass must be evaluated by a physician."