Consult City's Top Doctors, The Minute You Need To

First Consultation starting
@ ₹349 ₹599

2990
General Surgeons

53592
Cases done
by General Surgeons

1568
Hospitals

All you need to know about Swelling in the Neck

About

Swelling in the neck refers to the enlargement of the neck area because of various internal conditions. Either the salivary glands or the lymph nodes gets swollen resulting in the bulging of the surface area.

In most cases, swelling of the neck is not harmful and is not cancerous in nature. (1)

- Can be self-diagnosed
- Treatment options are available
- Laboratory tests are required
- If not cancerous, resolves within a short time span.

Swelling of neck mostly occurs when the lymph nodes or salivary glands get enlarged. These are caused by viral or bacterial infection, neck injury, thyroid, sebaceous cysts, mumps, infection in the salivary gland, or allergic reaction. In rare cases, the cause is identified as cancer.

Symptoms

Swelling of the neck region
Hardness of the skin around the neck region
Skin surface turns red or purple
Sudden weight loss
Prolonged fever
Sore throat
Fatigue
Difficulty in breathing

Treatment

Self-care: Quit smoking, and alcohol consumption can increase the chance of the reason behind the swelling to be cancerous. Applying warm compress can help to deal with the swelling and pain.

Medication: Antibiotics may be suggested by the doctor to cure viral or bacterial infections. Painkillers to combat the pain in extreme cases may also be suggested.

Specialists: For other concerns, consult a physician. In severe cases, surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy may be required. At mfine, you will receive a holistic treatment plan for optimum health.