Distinguish lumps in the neck due to lymph nodes and thyroid

Sometimes it can be difficult to tell the cause of the lump on your neck. The reason is, there are several common causes that usually result in a lump in the neck. The most common is the swelling of the lymph nodes and thyroid gland.

Thyroid nodules are another term for an enlarged thyroid gland. This lump is usually a solid or fluid-filled lump that forms in the thyroid, which is a small gland located at the base of the neck, just above the breastbone. Generally, this lump is caused by several factors, namely:

• Iodine deficiency
• Overgrowth of thyroid tissue
• Thyroid cyst
• Thyroid cancer
• Chronic inflammation of the thyroid (thyroiditis)

Meanwhile, lumps in the neck due to lymph nodes are swelling of the lymph nodes that usually occur due to certain bacterial or viral infections. These bumps arise due to certain conditions such as:

• Sore throat
• Measles
• Ear infection
• Tooth infection
• Tuberculosis
• Syphilis
• Toxoplasma
• Lymphoma (lymph cancer)

So if both of them cause lumps in the neck, how do you tell the difference?

How to distinguish a lump in the neck due to lymph nodes and thyroid

There are various aspects that you can see and feel to distinguish whether a lump on your neck is due to lymph nodes or thyroid gland.

1. The location of the lump

Thyroid gland lump

Source: Hello Bacsi

The lump that results from an enlarged thyroid gland is usually located in the middle of the neck, like an Adam's apple in men. Generally, they are small and do not feel to the touch because they are located in the thyroid tissue or are located very deep in the gland.

Quoted from Liputan 6, dr. Farid Kurniawan, Sp.PD, endocrinologist at the Faculty of Medicine UI, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital stated that the characteristics of a thyroid lump are moves along with the swallowing process.

This is because the glands attach to cartilage which functions to swallow. The movement of the lump is generally from the bottom up.

Lymph node lumps

Source: Levity Health

Lumps caused by swollen lymph nodes are usually located on the right or left side of the neck. Usually the size of a pea or kidney bean, even larger. Generally, this lump is quite visible from the outside and feels when touched.

2. The symptoms that arise

Thyroid gland lump

Most thyroid nodules cause no signs or symptoms due to their small size. However, if the nodule is large enough, there will be some accompanying symptoms. In some cases, thyroid nodules produce additional thyroxine hormone. Excess thyroxine can cause symptoms of hyperthyroidism. The following are various symptoms that often appear if you experience a lump in your neck due to the thyroid gland, namely:

• Excessive sweating
• Quite a drastic weight loss
• Shaky
• Fast and sometimes irregular heartbeat
• Pressing the lump will usually cause difficulty swallowing or shortness of breath

Lymph node lumps

• Feels tender and painful to the touch.
• Runny nose (cold like flu), sore throat, and fever which are usually signs of an upper respiratory tract infection.
• Swollen lymph nodes can occur in addition to the neck, namely in other parts of the body, such as the armpits, under the chin and groin. This usually indicates an infection or immune disorder due to the work of the affected lymph nodes.
• Night sweats.

The characteristics above can be a starting guide to distinguish the lump that appears on your neck. Always consult a doctor for a more accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment.