What are the symptoms of a swollen neck?

Swollen neck is also commonly known as goiter. This disease is closely related to the thyroid gland. Iodine deficiency can also cause goiter. Patients must pay attention to neck surgery, as it has a great impact on people's physical health. The symptoms of a swollen neck are very obvious. In addition to abnormalities in the neck, there may also be compressive symptoms. So what are the specific symptoms of a swollen neck?

1. Compression of the trachea

If compressed from one side, the trachea will shift or bend to the other side; if compressed from both sides, the trachea will be narrowed and breathing will be difficult, which is especially serious when there is a goiter behind the sternum. Long-term pressure on the tracheal wall can cause tracheal softening and lead to suffocation.

2. Compression of the esophagus:

Rare. Only a substernal goiter may compress the esophagus, causing discomfort during swallowing but not obstructive symptoms.

3. Compression of the deep neck veins:

It can cause difficulty in blood return to the head and neck. This situation is more common in large goiters located at the upper opening of the thorax, especially those behind the sternum. The patient's face was swollen with bluish purple color, and the superficial veins in the neck and chest were significantly dilated.

4. Others

There are no obvious symptoms in the early stages of goiter. Only a hard, painless lump appears in the anterior neck. The surface of the lump is uneven and grows rapidly. It does not move much up and down when swallowing. Subsequently, cervical lymph node metastasis occurs, and compression symptoms such as difficulty breathing, swallowing obstruction, hoarseness, etc. may appear. Patients may experience anxiety, nervousness, mood swings, insomnia, susceptibility to fright, nervousness, trembling, muscle weakness, talkativeness, hyperactivity, and periodic limb paralysis.