Why do I have a lump in my neck?
There are many causes of lumps in the neck, with most being enlarged lymph nodes. We have about 300 lymph nodes in the head and neck region. Most cannot be felt unless they are enlarged due to bacterial or viral infections, which is the case 95% of the time. Very rarely are neck lumps due to cancer, especially if you do not smoke or drink. Even so, the risk is still low.
A lump in the neck may also be due to thyroid nodules or thyroid diseases [link to service page]. In Singapore, thyroid gland-related diseases are relatively common and about 1 in 20 patients will have a thyroid nodule that can be felt. Thyroid nodules are more common in women.
All neck lumps in children and adults should be checked out by a doctor.
If you have questions or concerns about your ears, nose, and throat, you may book a consultation with Dr Dennis Chua, an ENT specialist in Singapore. He has completed his training in otorhinolaryngology locally and attained qualifications internationally.
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Causes of neck lumps
In summary, neck lumps may be caused by:
- Bacterial infection
- Cancer
- Thyroid disease
- Allergy reactions
How to determine the cause of neck lumps?
Neck lumps are commonly encountered by Dr Dennis Chua. He may carry out the following investigations to help evaluate your neck lump:
- Blood tests
- Fine needle biopsy
- Punch biopsy
- Lymph node biopsy
- X-ray, MRI scans, CT scans, PET scans
- Examination under anaesthesia
ENT Specialist · Facial Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Dennis Chua
BOARD CERTIFICATION
Double Board Certified Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon (International & European Boards – IBCFPRS & EBCFPRS)
Qualifications
- MBBS (Singapore)
- MRCS (Edinburgh)
- MMed (ORL)
- FAMS (ORL)
- IBCFPRS
- EBCFPRS
Global
Conference speaker
A highly regarded ENT specialist with a fellowship at the University of Virginia under Professor Stephen Park (Past President, American Academy of Facial Plastics & Reconstructive Surgery). Previously Chief of Facial Plastics & Reconstructive Service at Tan Tock Seng Hospital and Honorary Secretary of the Singapore Society of Otolaryngology.
Trained in Da Vinci robotic ENT surgery in South Korea and serves as ENT Lead Tutor at Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine. Has presented at international conferences across America, China, Europe, and Southeast Asia.
Notable awards
Areas of focus
- Robotic ENT Surgery
- Facial Plastics
- Pediatric ENT
- Sleep Apnea
- Rhinoplasty
- Sinusitis
- Allergic Rhinitis