Lumps in the face or neck can arise from a wide range of causes including lymph nodes, salivary glands, cysts, lipomas, thyroid nodules, or tumours. Most are benign (non-cancerous), but some may require surgical removal for diagnosis, relief of symptoms, or cancer treatment. Surgical excision is often both diagnostic (biopsy) and therapeutic.

• Your ENT specialist will assess the lump by physical examination and arrange scans such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI.
• A fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) may be done to help diagnose the lump.
• If surgery is planned, you will be advised to fast for several hours before the procedure.
• Certain medications, particularly blood thinners, may need to be stopped.
• The risks and benefits of surgery will be explained before you sign a consent form.

• A small scar may be present, which typically fades over time.
• You may have a drain in place if the surgery involved deep tissues; this is usually removed within 24–48 hours.
• Mild bruising, swelling, or numbness around the surgical area is normal.
• Avoid strenuous activity, and keep the area dry and clean until reviewed.
• A follow-up appointment will be arranged to check healing and discuss any biopsy results.