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Patient Information
Frequently Asked Questions
for Adults with a Neck Mass
1. What does it mean that I have a neck mass at increased risk for
malignancy?
The mass in your neck may indicate a serious medical problem. It does not mean
you have cancer, but it does mean you need more evaluation to make a diagnosis.
Common symptoms in patients with a neck mass at increased risk for malignancy
include:
• The mass lasts longer than 2–3 weeks
• Voice change
• Trouble or pain with swallowing
• Trouble hearing or ear pain on the same side as the neck mass
• Sore throat
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit
2. What do I do next?
Your provider will ask about medical history and examine your head and neck.
Your provider may order tests or refer you to a specialist.
3. How urgently should I be evaluated?
Your provider will want to make sure you have a thorough evaluation, testing and
follow up within a short period of time. It is important you discuss this timeline with
your provider and make sure there is a plan for follow up after testing. It is important
for you to follow this neck mass until it goes away or until you have a diagnosis.
4. What questions may my doctor ask?
• When did you first notice the lump? Has it grown?
• Have you had a recent illness?
• Do you have any trouble with eating, talking, swallowing, or hearing ?
• Any sore spots in your mouth or throat?
• Do you have any sore or growing spots on your scalp, neck or face?
• Have you lost weight?
• Are citrus fruits or tomatoes painful to eat?
• Do you have ear pain or sore throats that don't go away?
• Has your voice been hoarse?
• Have you coughed up any blood?
• Do you currently smoke or do you have a smoking history? How much?
How long ?
• Do you drink alcohol or do you have a history of drinking alcohol?
How much? How long ?
• Do you have a history of head and neck cancer?
• Any radiation exposure to your head or neck?
• Do you have any family history of head and neck cancer?
