What is Neck Swelling? - Causes, Treatment and Symptoms

Neck Swelling is characterized by enlargement of lymph nodes due to cancers & bacterial or viral infections that cause a buildup of fluid & inflammation in the neck region. While largely neck swelling is not so harmful & can be improved within a few days, at times this can lead to serious conditions impairing the ability to perform their daily tasks & activities.
The common symptoms associated with neck swelling include Visible neck enlargement or puffiness, pain & discomfort, redness or warmth in the affected region (neck), fever, fatigue, runny nose, Sore throat, voice changes (hoarseness), and difficulty in swallowing due to swollen lymph nodes or tonsillitis. Additionally, you may present with ear pain due to infections or inflammation of surrounding areas (salivary glands, thyroid glands, etc.)

Causes of Neck Swelling:

• Swollen Lymph Nodes (Lymphadenopathy): Infections, including colds, flu, strep throat, ear infections, and dental infections.
• Autoimmune Conditions: Conditions such as Graves’ disease that can cause inflammation and enlargement of the thyroid gland, resulting in swelling in the front & center of the neck.
• Trauma or injury: Any sudden injury to the neck, such as a fall or accident, can cause inflammation, resulting in noticeable swelling.
• Severe allergic reactions that cause angioedema (facial & neck swelling) are one of the contributing factors.
• Tumors: Certain cancers of the neck, throat, thyroid, head, and lungs can be contributing factors to neck swelling.
• Viral illnesses such as measles, mumps, and herpes can cause enlargement of lymph nodes.

When to seek a doctor?

Swelling in the neck caused by common bacterial and viral infections can improve once these pathogens are eliminated from the body with the right antibiotics or medications. However, if the swelling persists for several weeks and is accompanied by symptoms such as fever, abdominal pain, or weight loss, along with specific characteristics of the lumps in the neck being harder or stiffer to the touch or having grown to an inch or more and not moving when pushed, it is important to seek advice from an Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) specialist.

Don’t wait for signs to grow severe. Consult our ENT specialists today

Diagnosis of Neck Swelling:

Physical examination & medical history play a vital role in determining the cause of neck swelling by taking history such as

• When did the swelling start?
• Whether it’s painful or not?
• What are the associated symptoms noticed?
• Any recent injuries or infections?

Additionally, along with certain blood tests, certain imaging tests, including CT, MRI, X-rays, & ultrasound, are performed to visualize the size & location of lumps along with a deeper understanding of underlying causes associated with neck swelling or lymph node enlargement.

Biopsy tests are performed using a sample of lump tissue to rule out any underlying cancers responsible for swollen lymph nodes.

Treatment of Neck Swelling:

• Depending on patient history & other diagnostic information obtained, the treatment includes antibiotics for bacterial infections or supportive therapy for neck injuries. However, if the underlying cause is related to cancers or tumors of the neck, therapies such as radiation, chemotherapy, or surgical interventions are employed to treat the swollen lymph nodes effectively to ease pain & discomfort associated with neck swelling.
• Along with therapeutic care, following a few home remedies, such as applying a warm compress on the neck region to relieve pain or using suggested pain medications combined with adequate rest, can result in optimal benefits in individuals with neck swelling.

What if left untreated?

If neck swelling is left untreated, the underlying infections can spread to various organs & enter the bloodstream, causing sepsis, a serious complication. Furthermore, if the swelling is due to underlying undiagnosed cancers, it eventually progresses into metastatic cancer, which reduces the overall survival rates. Therefore, if swelling persists for longer than 1-2 weeks, it’s better to seek medical attention for prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment plans.

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