Neck Lumps: When to Worry and Seek Medical Help

Neck mass

Hello Doctor, about a month ago I had a severe case of tonsillitis, and a lump about 1 cm in size developed near my jaw.
I have been continuously visiting an ENT clinic for medication, and while the inflammation in my tonsils has subsided, the lump has not decreased.
Is this normal? I also have a feeling of fullness in my ear, but the doctor checked my eardrum and found no issues.
Could this be related? This situation is making me very anxious.
At my age, is it possible to develop a malignant tumor? Should I go to a major hospital for further examination?

Yu, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/01/26

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello, if the neck tumor continues to remain swollen, it is recommended to return to the clinic for further examination.
Whether medication treatment is necessary or if a referral to a hospital is needed should be clinically determined by the clinic physician.
Wishing you peace and health.
Sincerely, Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2019/01/26

More Info

When it comes to neck lumps, particularly after experiencing a severe case of tonsillitis, it is understandable to feel anxious about the possibility of serious underlying conditions, including malignancies. Your concerns are valid, especially since you have noticed a lump near your jaw that has persisted even after your tonsillitis has improved.
Firstly, it is important to recognize that lymph nodes can become swollen in response to infections, including tonsillitis. This swelling can sometimes take time to resolve even after the infection has been treated. The lump you are feeling could be a reactive lymph node, which is a common response to infection. In many cases, these lymph nodes can remain enlarged for weeks or even months after the initial infection has resolved.
However, the fact that you are experiencing a sensation of fullness or pressure in your ear could indicate that the swelling is affecting nearby structures. The ear, nose, and throat (ENT) are interconnected, and inflammation in one area can lead to symptoms in another. While your ear examination showed no issues with the eardrum, the sensation of fullness could be related to Eustachian tube dysfunction, which can occur due to upper respiratory infections or allergies.

Regarding your concern about the possibility of a malignant tumor, it is important to note that while it is possible for lumps in the neck to be cancerous, the likelihood is generally low, especially in younger individuals without other risk factors. Factors that may increase the risk of malignancy include a history of smoking, significant weight loss, persistent symptoms lasting longer than two weeks, or the presence of other concerning symptoms such as night sweats or unexplained fever.

Given your situation, it would be prudent to follow up with a healthcare professional, particularly an ENT specialist, if you have not done so already. They can perform a thorough examination and may recommend imaging studies, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, to further evaluate the lump. If there is any concern about the nature of the lump, a biopsy may be warranted to rule out malignancy.

In summary, while it is common for lymph nodes to remain enlarged after an infection, it is essential to monitor the situation closely. If the lump does not decrease in size over the next few weeks, or if you develop new symptoms, seeking further evaluation is advisable. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to health concerns. Remember, early detection and diagnosis are key to effectively managing any potential health issues.

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