Head & Neck
Expert care for neck lumps, swelling, and related concerns.
We’re Here to Help
If you’ve noticed a lump in your neck or are experiencing swelling, voice changes, or trouble swallowing, it’s normal to feel concerned — and important to get it checked. These symptoms may have a simple explanation, or they could point to something that needs prompt attention.
At Head & Neck Surgery of Kansas City, our board-certified ENTs diagnose and treat a full range of head and neck conditions, including thyroid nodules, salivary gland tumors, and head and neck cancers. We’ll guide you through next steps with clarity, compassion, and the expert care you deserve.
Conditions We Treat
We provide care for a wide range of conditions that affect the head and neck, including:
- Thyroid and parathyroid disorders — from benign nodules to thyroid cancer
- Head and neck cancers — affecting the throat, voice box, salivary glands, or skin
- Salivary gland tumors — which may cause facial swelling, discomfort, or pressure
- Neck masses — including cysts, enlarged lymph nodes, or lumps with no clear cause
- Voice or swallowing changes — which may be caused by reflux of acid from the stomach, tumors, or nerve-related issues
We also evaluate other head and neck concerns. Even if you’re unsure what’s causing your symptoms, we’ll help you find answers.
How We Diagnose
We use advanced diagnostic tools and thorough evaluation to identify the cause of your symptoms:
- Physical examination to assess visible swelling or tenderness in the head and neck
- Ultrasound to evaluate thyroid nodules or suspicious neck masses
- CT or MRI scans to visualize deep tissues, glands, or potential spread of disease
- Flexible fiberoptic endoscopy to view the throat and voice box with a scope that goes through the nose
- Fine needle aspiration (FNA) or biopsy to collect tissue samples for testing
- Blood tests to evaluate thyroid and parathyroid function
- Laryngoscopy under anesthesia to examine the vocal cords, especially in cases of hoarseness or voice box cancer
Treatment Options
Your treatment plan will be customized based on your diagnosis, overall health, and goals. Options may include:
- Observation and regular monitoring for noncancerous nodules or slow-growing masses
- Surgical removal of thyroid nodules, salivary gland tumors, or affected lymph nodes
- Thyroidectomy for confirmed thyroid cancer or large, symptomatic nodules
- Parathyroid surgery to treat hyperparathyroidism or calcium imbalance
- Radiation therapy or chemotherapy for head and neck cancers
- Skin cancer excision or Mohs surgery for cancers of the face or neck
- Swallowing or voice therapy to aid recovery after surgery or injury
- Ongoing follow-up care to monitor healing, prevent recurrence, and support long-term wellness
Frequently Asked Questions
If it’s been there for more than two weeks, is getting bigger, or just feels off — it’s worth getting checked.
Eighty percent are not. But it’s important to evaluate them with imaging or a biopsy to make sure.
Treatment depends on the location, stage, and type of cancer. It may involve surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination.
Persistent hoarseness, a lump in the neck, or difficulty swallowing are common early signs. If you’re noticing any of these, don’t ignore them.
Yes — acid that backs up into your throat (laryngopharyngeal reflux ) can irritate the vocal cords and lead to hoarseness, chronic coughing, throat clearing, or the sensation of something stuck in your throat.
Here When You Need Answers
If you’ve noticed a lump, swelling, or changes in your voice or swallowing, don’t wait and wonder. Head & Neck Surgery of Kansas City is here to help you find clarity and the right next step.