[49M] Observation of a progressively enlarging neck lump

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, the following conditions might be causing the lump on your neck:

• Lipoma: A lipoma is a slow-growing, fatty lump that's most often situated between the skin and the underlying muscle layer. Although a lipoma isn't cancerous and is usually harmless, it can be uncomfortable if it grows and presses on nearby nerves or if it contains many blood vessels.

  • Treatment: If the lipoma bothers you, is painful or is growing, your doctor might recommend that it be removed. Lipomas can be removed by surgery, liposuction or by steroid injections.

• Lymphadenopathy: This is a disease of the lymph nodes, in which they are abnormal in size or consistency. Lymphadenopathy of an inflammatory type (the most common type) is lymphadenitis, producing swollen or enlarged lymph nodes.

  • Treatment: Treatment depends on the cause. For example, if the cause is an infection, you may need antibiotics. If the cause is an immune condition, you may need treatment for that condition.

• Salivary Gland Disorders: A variety of diseases can affect your salivary glands. For example, a salivary gland stone — a calcified structure that forms inside a salivary gland — can block the flow of saliva and cause pain and swelling.

  • Treatment: Treatment depends on the specific disorder. For example, stones are usually surgically removed, while infections are treated with antibiotics.

• Cancer: Although it's not common, a lump in the neck can sometimes be a sign of various types of cancer, such as thyroid cancer, lymphoma, or skin cancer.

  • Treatment: Treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer and may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of these.

What you can do

You should make an appointment to see a healthcare provider for a physical examination. They may also order imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, to help determine the cause of the lump. If the lump is causing discomfort or if the cause is unclear, your healthcare provider may recommend a biopsy to examine the cells from the lump under a microscope.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

• The lump continues to grow or becomes painful
• You have difficulty breathing or swallowing
• You notice other lumps on your body
• You experience unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or fever

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.