Difficulty to swallow
Swelling / lump in the neck
Swelling in the midline of the neck: These are commonly developmental conditions called median cervical cysts & move during every act of swallowing. These cysts need removal as they may enlarge & become infected
Lymph node swellings can be due to numerous causes like infective ( bacterial or tuberculous) , or spread of malignancy form different parts of the head & neck. A test called FNAC is often done to aid in diagnosis. A biopsy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Salivary gland problems
The salivary glands are paired. They are numerous. The major salivary glands are the Parotid (situtated below & in front of the ears ) & the Submandibular (under the lower jaw) . The salivary gland can become swollen & painful due to various conditions like:
: Stones in the gland
: Infection ( which may be acute or chronic)
: Tumors ( both Benign & malignant)
Tumors are assessed by Radiology ( Ultrasound or Imaging studies like aCT Scan or MRI) . Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology ( FNAC) is a simple office procedure & done when a tumor is suspected. Benign tumors are treated surgically. Malignant tumours usually need surgery followed by radiation or chemotherapy.
Thyroid gland swelling
The thyroid gland is situated in the midline of the lower neck. Enlargement of the thyroid gland is called a Goitre. The thyroid is one of the important endocrine organs & regulated body metabolism . Goitre could be due to many reasons.
: Hypofunction or Hyperfunction of the Thyroid
: Nodules in the thyroid gland ( Solitary or Multiple)
: Iodine deficiency
: Tumors ( benign & malignant)
A Dysfunctiong Thyroid gland is treated by a specialist ( Endocrinologist)
Nodules & suspected tumors are evaluated by Ultrasound scanning & a simple office procedure called FNAC
Nodules which cause compression symptoms like change in voice & difficulty with swallowing are treated surgically. Tumors are treated surgically. Certain tumors ( the malignant varieties ) need also adjuvant treatment with radiation & chemotherapy
