Benign Head & Neck Tumours

Benign tumours of the head and neck, while non-cancerous, can still cause significant symptoms due to their location and potential to compress vital structures. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to prevent complications and ensure optimal function.

Below is an overview of common benign head and neck tumours, their causes, symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options.

Overview

Paragangliomas are rare, slow-growing neuroendocrine tumours that arise from paraganglia, clusters of cells associated with the autonomic nervous system. They commonly occur in the carotid body (carotid body tumours) or near the ear (glomus tumours).

Causes

  • Genetic mutations (up to 30% are hereditary)
  • Sporadic cases with no identifiable cause

Symptoms

  • Painless, slow-growing lump in the neck
  • Pulsatile tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • Hoarseness or difficulty swallowing (if tumour compresses nerves)
  • Dizziness or changes in blood pressure (if tumour affects autonomic function)

Risk Factors

  • Family history of paragangliomas
  • Genetic syndromes (e.g., multiple endocrine neoplasia, von Hippel-Lindau disease)
  • High altitude exposure (may increase carotid body activity)

Treatment Options

  • Surgical Resection – The primary treatment for symptomatic or enlarging tumours
  • Radiotherapy – For patients who are not surgical candidates or to control tumour growth
  • Surveillance – In asymptomatic, slow-growing cases

Overview

Schwannomas are benign nerve sheath tumours that arise from Schwann cells, which support and insulate nerves. They are commonly found in the head and neck, particularly along the vagus or facial nerve.

Causes

  • Genetic predisposition (e.g., neurofibromatosis type 2)
  • Sporadic cases with no known cause

Symptoms

  • Painless mass in the neck
  • Hoarseness or voice changes (if affecting the vagus nerve)
  • Hearing loss or balance issues (if affecting cranial nerves)
  • Numbness or weakness in the affected nerve distribution

Risk Factors

  • Genetic conditions such as neurofibromatosis
  • Prior radiation exposure to the head and neck

Treatment Options

  • Surgical Removal – The preferred treatment if the tumour is symptomatic or growing
  • Radiotherapy – For tumours that are difficult to remove or recurrent cases
  • Observation – For small, asymptomatic tumours

Overview

Lipomas are common, slow-growing benign tumours composed of fatty tissue. They can develop anywhere in the body, including the head and neck.

Causes

  • Genetic predisposition
  • Localised overgrowth of fat cells

Symptoms

  • Soft, mobile lump beneath the skin
  • Usually painless, though larger lipomas may cause discomfort
  • Slow-growing, often noticed incidentally

Risk Factors

  • Family history of lipomas
  • Obesity (though lipomas are not directly related to body fat percentage)
  • Prior trauma (may trigger lipoma formation in rare cases)

Treatment Options

  • Surgical Excision – Recommended for large, symptomatic, or cosmetically concerning lipomas
  • Liposuction – An alternative for some cases with minimal scarring
  • Observation – If the lipoma is small and asymptomatic

Overview

Fibromas are benign tumours composed of fibrous or connective tissue. They can occur in various parts of the head and neck, including the oral cavity and skin.

Causes

  • Chronic irritation or trauma (e.g., biting the cheek, ill-fitting dentures)
  • Genetic predisposition

Symptoms

  • Firm, painless lump in the affected area
  • May grow slowly over time
  • Can be skin-coloured or slightly darker

Risk Factors

  • Chronic irritation (e.g., repeated trauma in the mouth)
  • Genetic predisposition
  • Certain skin conditions (e.g., dermatofibromas)

Treatment Options

  • Surgical Excision – The definitive treatment for fibromas
  • Observation – For small, non-bothersome lesions
  • Dental Adjustment – If fibroma is caused by dental trauma

Conclusion

Dr Laura Wang provides expert diagnosis and treatment for benign head and neck tumours, offering personalised care based on the latest surgical techniques. If you have concerns about a lump or tumour in the head and neck region, book a consultation today for comprehensive evaluation and management.

Dr Laura Wang is a highly-experienced, fellowship-trained Endocrine and Head & Neck surgeon consulting and operating across Sydney.

Dr Wang holds both a Master of Surgery (MS) Degree and a Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) in thyroid cancer surgery and performs a high-volume of thyroid and parathyroid surgeries. She was the first surgeon to be dual-trained in both head and neck cancer surgery (for benign and cancerous conditions), as well as microvascular reconstructive surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre in New York, which is the oldest cancer hospital in the world (founded in 1884).

Get in touch to book an appointment. Urgent appointments available for cancer patients.

Contact Us
Endocrine and Head & Neck Surgeon
& Reconstructive Microvascular Surgeon
Phone

(02) 8076 4961

Fax

(02) 8080 8146

Explore
Areas of Expertise
Locations

Copyright 2025, Dr Laura Wang.