Head/Neck Lumps & Cancer Surgery
Do you need surgery for lumps on your head or neck?
Growths, lumps, tumours or masses in the head and neck can be benign (noncancerous) or cancerous and can form in the thyroid gland, salivary glands (parotid, submandibular), neck, or skin.
If you have noted changes in your head or neck, where a new lump or growth may be present or increasing in size, it is a good idea to seek urgent diagnosis.Â
You can book a consultation with Associate Professor (Hon.) Richard Martin at a number of locations throughout the Auckland region or make an appointment to visit his Takapuna rooms for a thorough assessment and diagnosis or to make a treatment plan.Â
Diagnostic Testing
There are a number of tests which can be applied to assess head and neck lumps. These include:Â
- Examination – Clinical palpation of lump and lymph nodes, neurological testing, etc.
- Ultrasound assessment.
- MRI – magnetic resonance imaging uses magnetic fields and radio waves to give images of internal organs and body structures
- CT Scan – computer tomography combines X-rays with computer technology to give cross-sectional images of the body.
- PET CT scan – a scan using an isotope (18 FDG) that is taken up by cancer cells
- Biopsy – a sample of tissue is taken for pathological assessment.
Types of Neck Lumps
Enlarged Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes in the neck often become swollen when the body fights an infection, if these lumps don’t subside after a course of treatment for your infection, further testing may be necessary.
Benign Lesions
Noncancerous masses such as cysts and lipomas are often removed surgically to prevent them from pressing on nerves and other structures in the head and neck.
Head & Neck Cancer
Cancerous masses spread to surrounding tissues and may be:
- Primary – they arise in the head or neck. Mostly caused by UV radiation and tobacco or alcohol use
- Secondary – they have spread from a primary tumour in another part of the body – the most common is skin cancer.
Cancers may be treated by a combination of surgery, radiotherapy, and systemic drug therapy.
Specialist Head & Neck Appointments
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Mr Richard Martin
You can book a private consultation with Associate Professor (Hon.) Richard Martin at The Specialists Takapuna or several locations in Auckland, including Peninsula Medical Centre and Skinsafe in Orewa.Â
After spending two and a half years at the Sydney Cancer Center with a specialised focus on melanoma and head/neck/thyroid/parathyroid surgery, Richard manages over 1000 melanoma cases annually. He is a leading New Zealand-trained Melanoma Surgical Oncologist and General Surgeon. Get in touch to make an appointment for an assessment.
Make an Enquiry
Please contact my rooms for an appointment to access my extensive experience.
Locations
THE SPECIALISTS TAKAPUNA
SKINSAFE SKIN CANCER CLINIC
WARKWORTH MEDICAL CENTRE
PENINSULA MEDICAL CENTRE
SOUTHERN CROSS NORTH HARBOUR HOSPITAL
RODNEY SURGICAL CENTRE
NORTH SHORE HOSPITAL
WAITAKERE HOSPITAL
Memberships and Associations
