The term colli tumor is commonly used for all conditions that cause an enlargement in the neck. These tumors can be caused by a variety of things. Although most of the causes are harmless, tumors in the neck should still be watched out for because they can be malignant.
Colli tumors or lumps that grow in the neck can be small and not visible, can also be very large and clearly visible. There are many things that can cause this condition, from infection to cancer.
Causes of Colli Tumors You Need to Know
Colli tumors can be caused by various diseases. The following are several groups of diseases that can cause lumps in the neck or colli tumors:
1. Infectious disease
Colli tumors or lumps in the neck are the most common swollen lymph nodes. This swelling occurs when the body is helping to fight a viral or bacterial infection, even a mild one. Viral infections that can cause this include mononucleosis and mumps.
Lump on the neck can also be caused by a bacterial infection Mycobacterium tuberculosis. These bacteria can attack organs other than the lungs, including the cervical lymph nodes. This condition is known as glandular tuberculosis.
Colli tumors can also be a collection of pus that comes from bacterial infections elsewhere, such as the tonsils (tonsillitis) and throat infections (pharyngitis) which can lead to abscesses (collection of pus). If it causes a condition like this, the infection usually has lasted a long time without being treated.
2. Thyroid disease
Colli tumors located in the front of the neck usually originate from the thyroid gland. One common cause is a goiter. In this disease, the thyroid gland is enlarged and is usually accompanied by abnormal levels of thyroid hormones, which can be low (hypothyroidism) or high (hyperthyroidism).
In addition to goiter, other thyroid diseases that can trigger colli tumors can be thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer.
3. Cancer
Not only thyroid cancer, colli tumors can also be caused by other cancers. Some types of cancer that can cause lumps in the neck are Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Both of these cancers attack the lymph nodes and can cause lumps in the neck that are usually painless.
In addition to lymphoma, other cancers that can cause colli tumors include leukemia, melanoma, and skin cancer that occurs in the neck.
4. Congenital Diseases
Some colli tumors are caused by conditions that are present at birth, such as colli fibromatosis and torticollis. Fibromatosis colli is a lump in the baby's neck muscles. The cause of this tumor is unknown, but it is thought to have occurred due to an injury during the birth process. If left untreated, fibromatosis colli can lead to torticollis.
Branchial cyst is a physical abnormality caused by disturbances during fetal development. This disorder causes the appearance of a lump filled with water on the neck of the child. Branchial cysts are actually harmless. However, if an infection occurs, these cysts must be treated immediately.
Other causes that can trigger a colli tumor or neck lump are lipomas, injuries, allergic reactions to drugs or food, and the presence of salivary gland stones (sialolithiasis).
Diagnosis and Colli Tumor Treatment
Determination of the diagnosis of tumor colli can be started from questions and answers about complaints, previous medical history, and hereditary diseases that exist in the family.
Then, the doctor will perform a complete physical examination. After that, the doctor will continue to examine the tumor in more detail by looking at the shape and palpation of the tumor. At this stage, doctors are usually able to suspect the cause of the tumor colli.
To get a definite diagnosis, the doctor will suggest some additional tests, such as a complete blood count and ultrasound of the neck. If a colli tumor is suspected of originating from the thyroid gland, thyroid hormone levels are also checked.
Colli tumor treatment tailored to the underlying cause. If the tumor colli is caused by enlarged lymph nodes due to infection, the doctor will only give antibiotics. If the tumor originates from a more serious condition, such as cancer, the treatment will be more diverse and complicated.
Colli tumors can come from a variety of diseases, ranging from very mild to life-threatening. That is why, you should not underestimate this condition. If you notice a lump in the neck, especially if it is accompanied by other complaints, immediately consult a doctor.