Reassurance and review
Glands swollen after an infection usually settle within a few weeks. A repeat examination confirms that the lump has gone.
NECK LUMPS · ISLAMABAD
Neck lumps & swellingsassessment and treatment.
Dr M Riaz Khokhar assesses lumps and swellings in the neck in adults and children, arranges the tests needed to find the cause, and offers surgery when it is needed, at PNS Hafeez Hospital Islamabad.
Evening clinic, Monday to Friday, 5–7 pm. Your appointment time will be confirmed by the clinic.
WHEN TO COME
Reasons to have a neck lump checked.
- A lump in the neck that has been present for more than two to three weeks.
- A lump that is getting bigger, or feels hard or fixed.
- A neck lump together with a hoarse voice, difficulty swallowing or a sore throat that does not settle.
- A lump with unexplained weight loss, fever or night sweats.
- A swelling in front of or below the ear, or under the jaw.
- A lump found on an ultrasound or scan, or a needle test report that advises a specialist opinion.
Most neck lumps are harmless, and many are glands reacting to an infection. A lump that lasts more than three weeks should still be examined, because a few need prompt treatment.
YOUR VISIT
What happens at a neck lump consultation.
Bring any ultrasound, scan or needle test reports you already have, and a list of your current medicines.
1
History and examination
How long the lump has been there, whether it has changed, recent infections, smoking and tobacco use (including paan, gutka and naswar), followed by an examination of the neck, mouth and throat.
2
Camera examination of the throat
A thin flexible camera passed through the nose shows the back of the nose, the throat and the voice box, where the cause of a neck lump is sometimes found.
3
Neck ultrasound
Usually the first scan. It shows where the lump is arising from and what it looks like.
4
Needle test (FNA) when needed
A fine needle takes a small sample of cells from the lump for examination under a microscope.
5
Further scans when needed
A CT or MRI scan is arranged when more detail is needed, or before surgery.
6
A clear plan
The results are explained and the next step agreed: reassurance, treatment, surgery or referral to the right specialist.
TREATMENT OPTIONS
Treatment depends on the cause.
Medical treatment
Infections, including tuberculosis of the neck glands, are treated with medicines, in coordination with the appropriate physician.
Surgery
Considered for cysts, salivary gland and thyroid lumps, lumps where the diagnosis remains uncertain, and as part of cancer treatment.
NECK SURGERY
What to expect if you need an operation.
The operation
The operation depends on the lump: removing a lymph node for diagnosis, removing a cyst, or removing part of a salivary gland or the thyroid. Most are done under general anaesthetic through an incision placed in a skin crease.
Hospital stay and recovery
Smaller operations are often day cases; larger ones need one or two nights in hospital. Your own timeline will be discussed before surgery.
If cancer is found
Treatment is planned together with cancer specialists, and you will be referred to the appropriate team without delay.
Risks
These depend on where the lump is and include bleeding, infection, scarring, numbness of the skin and, for some operations, weakness of nearby nerves such as those that move the face, shoulder or tongue. Dr Khokhar will explain how each applies to you before you decide.
When to seek urgent care
Go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Difficulty breathing or noisy breathing.
- A neck swelling that is growing quickly, especially with fever or difficulty swallowing.
- Being unable to swallow saliva, or being unable to open the mouth fully.
- After neck surgery: new swelling, bleeding or difficulty breathing.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Questions patients often ask.
Is a neck lump usually cancer?
No. Most neck lumps are not cancer, particularly in children and young adults. The risk is higher in people over 40 and in those who smoke or use tobacco, which is why a persistent lump should be checked.
How long should I wait before seeing a doctor?
If a lump has not gone after two to three weeks, have it examined. Come sooner if it is growing or you have any of the urgent symptoms listed above.
Does the needle test make the disease spread?
No. Fine needle aspiration is a safe, widely used test and does not cause a lump to spread.
Will the lump need to be removed?
Not always. Many lumps need only reassurance or medicines. Removal is advised when it is needed for diagnosis or treatment.
My child has a lump in the neck. Should I worry?
Small, soft glands that come and go with colds are very common in children. See a doctor if a lump lasts more than a few weeks, keeps growing, or your child is unwell.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Ultrasound, scan and needle test reports, previous prescriptions, and a list of your current medicines.
Reviewed by Dr M Riaz Khokhar, ENT Consultant · November 2026. This page gives general information and does not replace a consultation.
Ready to arrange a neck lump consultation?
Monday–Friday · 5–7 pm · PNS Hafeez Hospital Islamabad