I've noticed a lump in my neck that hasn't gone away for the past month. It's painless but seems to be growing slowly. I had an ultrasound done, and it showed a solid mass. What could this lump be, and what steps should I take next?
Below.
Lymph Nodes:Normal
Mass Type:Solid
Size:2.5 cm
Vascularity:Increased
Laura, a 40-year-old female, has noticed a painless lump in her neck that has been growing slowly over the past month. An ultrasound showed a solid mass of 2.5 cm with increased vascularity, but normal lymph nodes.
Thyroid Nodule (60%) - A thyroid nodule is a growth within the thyroid gland. Most thyroid nodules are benign, but some can be cancerous.
Lymphoma (30%) - Lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system. It can present as a painless lump in the neck.
The most likely diagnosis for your condition is a thyroid nodule. Thyroid nodules are common and usually benign, but given the increased vascularity, it is important to rule out malignancy. The less likely but possible diagnosis is lymphoma, which is a type of cancer that starts in the lymphatic system. Although your lymph nodes appear normal, lymphoma can still present as a painless lump in the neck. The cause of thyroid nodules can vary, including iodine deficiency, overgrowth of normal thyroid tissue, or cysts. Lymphoma's cause is less clear but involves genetic mutations in lymphocytes. Both conditions are serious and require further evaluation. Next steps include a fine-needle aspiration biopsy to determine the nature of the mass. Depending on the results, you may need to see an endocrinologist or an oncologist. Treatment options vary from monitoring to surgery or chemotherapy, depending on the diagnosis.
The ultrasound showed a solid mass of 2.5 cm with increased vascularity, which means there is more blood flow to the area. The lymph nodes are normal, which is a good sign, but further tests are needed to determine the nature of the mass.
This document is not intended as medical advice or a replacement for professional medical consultation. It provides general guidance for initial diagnosis and suggests questions to discuss with a healthcare provider. Always seek personalized medical advice from a qualified physician or healthcare provider. Contact us at hi@doctola.com