What is the lump in my upper neck?
Patient: Dear Ask The Doctor: Hi ive been to my docotor about lump in my neck ( swelling.) i already knew i had a tyroid in 2001 but it was said to be normal nothing was detected. how ever ive had problems breathing and finding it hard to swallow and been gettin ear ackes. doctor send off for ultrasound scan but i have not yet recived my letter( can take up to six weeks.) but recently i have noticed a small but very hard lump in my upper neck under the jaw close to my ear. should i go back and inform my doctor of this.. its causing me pain and havin bad ear ake. please help!!!! Doctor: Welcome to health care magic. 1.The history suggest the possible cause could be lymph nodal enlargement, next possible cause could be thyroid mass ( keeping previous thyroid problem in mind)2.The recent lump under the jaw close to ear possibly enlarged lymph nodes.3.You don't have to inform the doctor again, as the neck scan has already indicated.4.The scan will include the needful lumps on the neck.5.Ultrasound will detect the nature of lump, its source and extensions. An FNAC can be taken to know the type of cells. Depending on that treatment will be depending on.6.Lymph nodal enlargement will cause due to infection / inflammation localised or systemic, and presence of any malignancy - all these need to be assessed. Good  luck.Hope i have answered your query.Any thing to ask do not hesitate. Thank you.