Contents:
- Medical Video: Neck Mass: Swollen Lymph Node
- How to distinguish a lump in the neck due to lymph nodes and thyroid
- 1. Location of lumps
- 2. Symptoms caused
Medical Video: Neck Mass: Swollen Lymph Node
Sometimes it's difficult to distinguish the cause of a lump in your neck. Because, there are several common causes that usually result in a lump in the neck. The most common are swollen lymph nodes and the thyroid gland.
Thyroid nodules are another term for enlarged thyroid glands. This lump is usually dense or filled with fluid that forms inside the thyroid, a small gland located at the base of the neck, just above the breastbone. Generally this lump is caused by several factors, namely:
- Iodine deficiency
- Excessive growth of thyroid tissue
- Thyroid cyst
- Thyroid cancer
- Chronic inflammation of the thyroid (thyroiditis)
Whereas a lump in the neck due to lymph nodes is a swelling of the lymph glands that usually occurs due to infection with certain bacteria or viruses. This lump appears due to certain conditions such as:
- Sore throat
- Measles
- Ear infections
- Dental infection
- Tuberculosis
- Syphilis
- Toxoplasm
- Lymphoma (lymph cancer)
Then if both of them result in a lump in the neck, how do you distinguish it?
How to distinguish a lump in the neck due to lymph nodes and thyroid
There are various aspects that you can see and feel to distinguish the lump on your neck whether it is due to lymph nodes or thyroid gland.
1. Location of lumps
Lump of the thyroid gland
Lumps caused by enlargement of the thyroid gland are usually located in the middle of the neck, like the Adam's apple in men. Generally the shape is small and does not feel when touched because of its location inside the thyroid tissue or is located very deep in the gland.
Quoted from Liputan 6, Dr. Farid Kurniawan, Sp.PD, endocrinologist at the Faculty of Medicine UI, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital stated that the characteristic of thyroid lumps is move along with the process of swallowing.
This is because the gland attaches to the cartilage which functions to swallow. Movement of bumps is generally from the bottom up.
Lymph node lumps
Lumps caused by swollen lymph glands are usually located on the right or left side of the neck. Usually sized like peas or red beans, even bigger. Generally this lump is quite visible from the outside and feels if touched.
2. Symptoms caused
Lump of the thyroid gland
Most thyroid nodules do not cause signs or symptoms due to their small size. However, if the nodule is large enough it will feel some accompanying symptoms. In some cases, thyroid nodules produce additional thyroxine hormones. Excess throxine can cause symptoms of hyperthyroidism. The following various symptoms often appear if you experience a lump in the neck due to the thyroid gland, namely:
- Excessive sweating
- Drastic weight loss
- Trembling
- The heartbeat is fast and sometimes irregular
- If the lump is pressed it will usually cause difficulty swallowing or shortness of breath
Lymph node lumps
- Feel soft and painful when touched.
- A runny nose (runny nose like the flu), sore throat, and a fever that is usually a sign of an upper respiratory tract infection.
- Swollen lymph nodes can occur other than in the neck, namely in other body parts such as the armpit, under the chin, and the groin fold. This usually indicates an infection or immune disorder due to disrupted lymph nodes.
- Sweating at night.
The characteristics above can be the initial guide for distinguishing lumps that appear on your neck. Always consult a doctor to get a more accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
