What is a neck mass?
A neck mass is any lump in the neck (bukol sa leeg), and the causes range from swollen lymph nodes (due to infection) to benign (non-cancerous) thyroid or salivary gland tumors, or cancer. A persistent neck mass should be evaluated by an ENT-Head and Neck Specialist. Evaluation includes physical examination, diagnostic assessment through ultrasound/CT scan/MRI, and a biopsy if indicated.
A neck mass is any abnormal lump or swelling in the neck. Some are present from birth and appear as cysts; others are enlarged lymph nodes from infection, and some are benign (non-cancerous) tumors of the thyroid or salivary glands, while some may also be malignant (cancerous) tumors. The most important step is an accurate diagnosis, because treatment depends entirely on the cause.
A neck mass that persists more than a few weeks, progressively increases in size, or appears without an obvious infection, should be checked by an ENT-Head and Neck Specialist.
Medically reviewed by Jennifer Almelor-Alzaga, MD, board-certified Otolaryngologist (PSO-HNS), fellowship-trained in Head & Neck Oncologic Surgery. Last reviewed: October 3, 2026.
Signs a neck mass should be evaluated
See an ENT-Head and Neck Specialist immediately if a neck mass (bukol sa leeg):
- ✓Has lasted more than 2–3 weeks
- ✓Is firm, fixed, painless
- ✓Continues to increase in size or number
- ✓Comes with a persistent sore throat, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, difficulty breathing
- ✓Comes with recurrent nose bleeding, difficulty breathing through the nose, ear pain on one side
- ✓Comes with a mouth ulcer (singaw) that has lasted more than 2 weeks
- ✓If you have a history of smoking and/or alcohol use
- ✓Is a recurring soft swelling that worsens with colds (possible congenital cyst)
What to expect
At a Glance
- First step
- Consultation and physical examination
- Work-up
- Ultrasound/CT scan/MRI/biopsy depending on the case
- Treatment
- Depends on the final diagnosis
Risks & What to Discuss with Your Surgeon
First thing to discuss is establishing the correct diagnosis through complete history taking and physical examination, and then deciding on the work-up that usually includes some type of imaging (ultrasound/CT scan/MRI) and biopsy if warranted. Once the correct diagnosis has been determined, the appropriate treatment can then be planned, depending on the case, may be medical treatment (antibiotics), surgery, or non-surgical (radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or both).
Why choose Dr. Alzaga
Any persistent neck mass needs a specialist who can both diagnose the full range of causes and operate when needed. Dr. Jennifer Almelor-Alzaga is an ENT who has two fellowships — first in Head and Neck Surgery, that includes surgery for both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) tumors, and second in Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery, for tumors that will also need reconstruction, such as tongue cancers, tumors of the jaw, among others.
Jennifer Almelor-Alzaga, MD, FPSOHNS
Board-certified Otolaryngologist–Head & Neck Surgeon. Fellowship-trained in Head & Neck Oncologic Surgery (Taiwan) and Microvascular Reconstruction (Thailand).
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This page is for general information only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or a treatment plan. Individual cases vary — always consult a qualified medical professional for advice specific to your situation. Dr. Jennifer Almelor-Alzaga, MD is available for consultations at Makati Medical Center and Olistico Health Manila.