Diagnosis of swelling in the lateral neck | Swelling of the lateral neck

Diagnosis of swelling in the lateral neck

The diagnosis of swelling in the lateral neck consists of several steps. Since the causes of such swelling are particularly varied, the medical history is a particularly important step in the diagnosis. During this process, the physician asks the affected person specific questions to find out the cause of the swelling.

Depending on the cause that the doctor suspects, various diagnostic steps are then taken. Usually the physical examination follows first, during which the swelling is palpated. Afterwards, imaging can be performed, for example with ultrasound.

Other accompanying symptoms of swelling of the lateral neck

The therapy of swelling in the lateral neck depends primarily on the cause. Inflammations of any kind are usually treated mainly symptomatically. This includes drug therapy with painkillers, and cooling the neck region can also provide relief.

Often a purely symptomatic therapy of the complaints is sufficient. The swelling and accompanying symptoms usually disappear again within a few days. A more detailed therapy is necessary if no rapid reduction of the symptoms is to be expected.

If there is a bacterial inflammation, antibiotics can be used for treatment. In the case of non-inflammatory diseases, surgical treatment of the cause of the swelling may be necessary. For example, neck cysts and fistulas are usually removed surgically, as one fears an infection of the structures. Lipomas are also operated on above a certain size.

Duration and prognosis of swelling in the lateral neck

The duration of the symptoms depends on the cause of the swelling. Inflammatory processes usually disappear again after a few days to two weeks, unless they become an abscess. Cysts, fistulas, lipomas, etc.

are chronic processes that can last longer. Most causes of swelling of the lateral neck can be easily eliminated by means of drug therapy or surgery. If there is a malignant cause of the swelling, the disease lasts much longer and the prognosis varies greatly depending on the type of disease.