Swelling in the Throat

Q: I am a 36 years old female, mother of three healthy children. I smoke and drink alcohol, though not in excess. I have recently felt a lump in my throat. I have no trouble breathing, any more difficult than usual, as I do suffer from asthma. Yet, is it something that I should be bothered about?
– By Nicola McDowell

Reply:

Your lump appears to be symptomless. It is likely to be a benign swelling in your throat.

It’s difficult to say what it is without actually examining it, though It sounds benign though.

It may be a thyroid swelling. In such cases, bodily symptoms usually accompany. Do you have any of the following symptoms:

• Tiredness
• Muscle or joint pain
• Weight gain or loss
• Mood swings

The lump may be an enlarged lymph node. This occurs secondary to some infection in the recent past.

It may be a cystic swelling like a sebaceous cyst. You may read here in detail about cystic swellings in the throat.

Since it is not troubling you, you may leave it as such. Just be watchful for any of the following signs:

• Any growth in the size of the lump
• It becomes painful
• Difficulty in breathing or swallowing
• You feel it is getting immobile (getting attached to tissue underneath)
• Any hardening of the lump
• Any bodily symptom like tiredness, weight gain, mood swing etc.

If you note any of the above sign, it is suggested to visit a doctor for examination.

Take Care,

Buddy M.D.