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Head, neck and salivary problems

A neck lump, thyroid swelling, salivary gland problem, mouth ulcer or facial weakness needs a proper look. These pages explain warning signs. They do not diagnose cancer or any other disease.

Choose a topic for symptoms, home care, and warning signs. None of these pages replaces an examination.

Persistent Mouth, Throat and Head-Neck Symptoms

Many mouth and throat symptoms have common, treatable causes. However, a persistent mouth ulcer, neck lump, progressive swallowing difficulty, unexplained weight loss, or blood-sta

Neck Lump or Swelling

A neck lump can have many causes, including infection, thyroid or salivary conditions and other growths. Persistent or unexplained lumps need examination.

Thyroid Lump or Nodule

A thyroid nodule is a lump in the thyroid gland at the front of the neck. Many are benign, but assessment determines whether tests are needed.

Salivary Gland Swelling

Salivary gland swelling may result from infection, blockage, stones or other conditions. Persistent or recurrent swelling needs assessment.

Salivary Gland Stones

A salivary stone can block saliva flow and cause swelling or pain, often around mealtimes.

Persistent Mouth Ulcer

Most mouth ulcers heal, but an ulcer that does not heal or repeatedly returns in the same place needs assessment.

Persistent Oral or Throat Lesion

A persistent patch, ulcer, growth or unexplained change in the mouth or throat should be examined; appearance alone cannot diagnose it.

Facial Weakness or Facial Nerve Problem

Facial weakness has several possible causes. Sudden facial droop may be a stroke and must be treated as an emergency.