Head & Neck Tumors

There are over 100 types of Tumors ("Neoplasms"), non-cancerous ("Benign") and cancerous ("Malignant") that are known to occur in the Head & Neck. They most commonly grow from the Throat ("Pharynx"), Glands ("Lymph Nodes"), Thyroid Gland (see preceding Thyroid Lumps Web page), and Saliva ("Parotid" and "Submandibular") Glands. Patients with a history of smoking are much more likely to develop a cancer from their mouth ("Oral Cavity"), Pharynx, or Voice Box ("Larynx").

Having a lump in your Head or Neck, especially one that was not there before, is NOT normal and should be evaluated by your Primary Doctor. If the lump is concerning a consultation with a Head & Neck Surgeon is usually arranged. If the lump is concerning to your Head & Neck Surgeon a CT scan with intravenous contrast is usually obtained in order to determine the size, location, and presence of any other tumors. In some cases a Fine Needle Biopsy is also performed to obtain some cells which can be analyzed by a pathologist with a microscope.

Our main concern when dealing with a Head & Neck Tumor is to make sure that it is not a cancer ("rule out malignancy"). However, even Benign Tumors are usually removed since they frequently continue to grow potentially affecting the many vital nerves that run through your neck.

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