The main symptom of thyroid cancer is a lump in the front of the neck. But thyroid cancer tends to develop slowly and there may not be any symptoms at first. Thyroid cancer often causes a painless lump or swelling low down in the front of the neck. However, neck lumps are common and are usually caused by a less serious condition, such as an enlarged
thyroid (goitre). Only around 1 in every 20 neck lumps are cancer. A neck lump is more likely to be cancer if it: See a GP if you have a swelling or lump at the front of your neck. While it's unlikely to be cancer, it's important to get it checked. Other symptoms
of thyroid cancer include: Rarely, thyroid cancer can affect the production of thyroid hormones and cause diarrhoea and flushing. These symptoms can be caused by other conditions, but it's a good idea to see a GP if you develop any persistent symptoms that you're worried about. Page last reviewed: 28 August 2019 Head and neck cancer is a relatively uncommon type of cancer. Around 12,400 new cases are diagnosed in the UK each year. There are more than 30 areas within the head and neck where cancer can develop, including the: Oesophageal (gullet) cancer, thyroid cancer,
brain tumours and eye cancer do not tend to be classified as a head and neck cancer. Mouth cancer is the most common type of head and neck cancer. It can affect a number of areas in and around the mouth, including the:
Symptoms of mouth cancer can include mouth ulcers and unexplained, persistent lumps in your mouth, both of which may be painful. Read more about mouth cancer. Laryngeal cancerLaryngeal cancer develops in the tissue of the larynx (voice box). Symptoms of laryngeal cancer can include:
Read more about laryngeal cancer. Throat cancersDoctors do not tend to use the term "throat cancer", as the throat (pharynx) includes many different parts that can be affected by cancer. The main areas that can be affected are the:
The most common symptoms of cancer in the oropharynx or hypopharynx include a lump in the neck, a persistent sore throat and difficulty swallowing. Read more about throat cancers:
Salivary gland cancerSalivary glands produce saliva, which keeps your mouth moist and helps with swallowing and digestion. There are 3 main pairs of salivary glands. They are the:
Salivary gland cancer most commonly affects the parotid glands. The main symptom of salivary gland cancer is a lump or swelling on or near your jaw, or in your mouth or neck. But most of these lumps are non-cancerous. Other symptoms can include numbness in part of your face and drooping on one side of your face. Read more about salivary gland cancer:
Nasal and sinus cancerNasal and sinus cancer affects the nasal cavity (above the roof of your mouth) and the sinuses (the small, air-filled cavities inside the bones of the nose and within the cheekbones and forehead). The symptoms of nasal and sinus cancer are similar to viral or bacterial infections, such as the common cold or sinusitis, and include:
Read more about nasal and sinus cancer. Nasopharyngeal cancerNasopharyngeal cancer affects the part of the throat that connects the back of the nose to the back of the mouth. It's one of the rarest types of head and neck cancer in the UK. Symptoms can include:
Read more about nasopharyngeal cancer. Further information
Page last reviewed: 28 October 2021 Why do I have a sore throat and a lump on my neck?It's also important to note that neck lumps are often associated with upper respiratory infections, such as strep throat, and do not always indicate the presence of cancer. These lumps are actually lymph nodes that have become temporarily enlarged as they fight off infection.
What does it mean if I have a lump in the side of my neck?The most common lumps or swellings are enlarged lymph nodes. These can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, cancer (malignancy), or other rare causes. Swollen salivary glands under the jaw may be caused by infection or cancer. Lumps in the muscles of the neck are caused by injury or torticollis.
Should I be worried about a small lump on the side of my neck?Most neck lumps aren't harmful. Most are also benign, or noncancerous. But a neck lump can also be a sign of a serious condition, such as an infection or a cancerous growth. If you have a neck lump, your healthcare provider should evaluate it promptly.
How do you know if a neck lump is serious?See a GP if:. your lump gets bigger.. your lump is painful, red or hot.. your lump is hard and does not move.. your lump lasts more than 2 weeks.. a lump grows back after it's been removed.. you have a lump in the breast or testicles.. you have a swelling on the side of your neck, armpit or groin that does not go down.. |