Rapid Diagnosis of Neck and Face Lumps

In some cases, enlarged lymph nodes can also be caused by certain types of cancer. When this does happen, the cancerous lymph nodes in the neck are usually metastatic, which is cancerous tissue that has spread from a primary site. 

Common primary sites of cancer in the head and neck include the: 

• skin and scalp

• mouth cavity

• tonsils

• back of the tongue

• voice box

• thyroid gland 

• salivary glands

• back of the nose 

A cancer that originates in a lymph node is called a lymphoma.

At Welbeck, our world-class head and neck specialists, including ear, nose and throat (ENT) consultants, use ultrasound scans to confidently determine whether a lump is suspicious enough to require a biopsy, or further investigations.

In most cases, an ultrasound scan can be performed at your first clinic visit, after your consultation. You can expect the following:

1. You’ll be asked to lie back on the bed.

2. Your consultant will put some gel onto your neck, which helps the ultrasound probe to move more easily.

3. They will then move the probe over the area where the lump is. The probe produces soundwaves that build up a picture on a screen. Your consultant will use this to look for any changes in the size or appearance of the lymph nodes in your neck. 

Depending on what they find, you may also need to perform:

• blood tests – to check for any potential conditions that have been flagged

• an MRI/CT scan – of the head, neck and possibly the chest and other body areas. This can confirm a diagnosis and help with treatment planning

If cancer is found, this is likely to be a big shock. Our specialist consultants and staff are always on hand to help and support you.

The next steps will depend on how severe and advanced the cancer is. Your consultant will talk you through the results and further investigations you might need, such as a:

• PET scan

• biopsy

A rapid diagnosis of neck and face lumps is very safe.

Ultrasound scanning only uses a small dose of radiation, and the benefits of detecting any potential problems through it far outweigh the minimal risks.

There’s no specific preparation needed for an ultrasound scan of the neck. If you need further investigations, including blood tests, you may need to fast to make sure the results are accurate. 

This means not eating or drinking anything except water for 8 to 12 hours before you arrive. When you make your appointment, you’ll be given all the details you need.

Unless you need further tests or treatment, you’ll be able to go home right after your scan and carry on with normal activities. 

Please contact our Ear, Nose and Throat centre for pricing information.

At Welbeck, our head and neck specialists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book a rapid diagnosis of neck and face lumps, please contact our Ear, Nose and Throat centre. Self-referrals are accepted.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a head and neck specialist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.