Can one feel dizzy and have a headache due to congenital tumor in the neck?

Question

Hi doctor,

I am 22 years old and I have a small tumor in my neck from childhood. I have faced no problem with this. But now, I have dizziness and a headache. Can it be due to the tumor?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I feel delighted to welcome you at icliniq.

There can be many possibilities. The usual mass in the neck area could be due to:

Brachial cyst- It is a soft, slow growing painless mass and there is nothing to worry about. CT (computed tomography) neck should be taken to diagnose this condition.
Lymphangioma or hemangioma.
Lipoma or dermoid cyst- It will be soft to firm in consistency.
Thyroglossal cyst- It will be usually present in the central neck.
Lymphoma or thyroid tumors- These tumors will be rubbery in consistency and are often painless.

If the lesion is increasing in size and compressing the carotid vessels, then you might experience the above symptoms. But usually a congenital lesion, that does not cause any problem till 21 years of age is benign and one need not worry. But, I suggest you take a contrast-enhanced CT of the neck to confirm the mass and consult a surgeon. If needed, do a biopsy of the lesion (depending on the surgeon’s opinion).

I appreciate your trust in icliniq.

Thank you.