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What Causes A Fast Growing Lump On Neck?
Question: My brother has a lump on the upper left side of his neck. It is about the size of a tennis ball and it grew to this size in one week. His doctor put him on antibiotics but the lump didn't go away. He had a CAT scan today and the doctor said it was a mass. Not a swollen gland, or blood vein etc.
What would grow so quickly? It hasn't gotten larger or smaller in the past few days.
What would grow so quickly? It hasn't gotten larger or smaller in the past few days.
Brief Answer:
FNAC, Contrast enhanced CT or MRI, check for pressure symptoms.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Fast growing neck masses include malignant cancers (squamous, lymphomas, sarcomas), infections, certain benign conditions and sudden bleeding inside a mass.
2. Get a FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology) done immediately, followed by a biopsy if required. This will settle the diagnosis conclusively and help plan treatment.
3. Upload the CT images and FNAC report. Was it a contrast enhanced CT Scan?
4. Check for pressure on the airway.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
FNAC, Contrast enhanced CT or MRI, check for pressure symptoms.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Fast growing neck masses include malignant cancers (squamous, lymphomas, sarcomas), infections, certain benign conditions and sudden bleeding inside a mass.
2. Get a FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology) done immediately, followed by a biopsy if required. This will settle the diagnosis conclusively and help plan treatment.
3. Upload the CT images and FNAC report. Was it a contrast enhanced CT Scan?
4. Check for pressure on the airway.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you. His doctor has ordered a biopsy. I am very concerned as this lump has appeared so quickly. My brother says it doesn't hurt at all.
I am hoping that whatever it is, it is benign.
I am hoping that whatever it is, it is benign.
Brief Answer:
Biopsy, FNAC, second opinion if rare diagnosis.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. A biopsy will settle the diagnosis conclusively. However, the biopsy report will take a few days.
2. Since the lump is enlarging rapidly, get an FNAC done as the report will take no more than a couple of days.
3. Upload the reports and the scan images for further treatment options.
4. In case of a rare diagnosis, remember to get a second opinion from the slides or from the prepared specimen block.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Biopsy, FNAC, second opinion if rare diagnosis.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for writing back.
1. A biopsy will settle the diagnosis conclusively. However, the biopsy report will take a few days.
2. Since the lump is enlarging rapidly, get an FNAC done as the report will take no more than a couple of days.
3. Upload the reports and the scan images for further treatment options.
4. In case of a rare diagnosis, remember to get a second opinion from the slides or from the prepared specimen block.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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