Neck Surgery

Neck conditions such as thyroid disorders, parathyroid disease, salivary gland problems, and benign or suspicious neck masses affect countless patients every year and often require highly specialized surgical care. If you’re experiencing a neck lump, throat pain, swallowing issues, or symptoms related to thyroid or salivary gland disease, call Vitale Ear, Nose & Throat in Wesley Chapel or Zephyrhills, Florida. The practice’s experienced ENT surgeons provide precise diagnosis and advanced surgical treatment, offering procedures including thyroidectomy, parathyroidectomy, parotidectomy, submandibular gland excision, and neck mass removal. Their expertise ensures safe, effective management of both common and complex neck conditions. Call Vitale Ear, Nose & Throat today or book an appointment online to receive expert neck surgery care.

What is neck surgery?

Neck surgery addresses a wide range of conditions involving the thyroid gland, parathyroid glands, salivary glands, lymph nodes, and other soft tissues of the neck. These structures control essential functions such as hormone regulation, calcium balance, swallowing, and saliva production. When they become enlarged, overactive, infected, or suspicious for cancer, surgical treatment may be necessary to protect long-term health.

Common causes that may require neck surgery include:

• Thyroid nodules or thyroid enlargement (goiter)
• Overactive thyroid or parathyroid glands
• Salivary gland tumors or chronic infections
• Neck masses or cysts
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Benign or malignant tumors
• Congenital neck abnormalities

Your Vitale Ear, Nose & Throat surgeon begins with a thorough evaluation that includes a detailed medical history, physical exam, and targeted imaging such as ultrasound, CT, or MRI. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy, blood tests for hormone and calcium levels, and endoscopic evaluation may also be performed to determine the exact nature of the problem and the best treatment approach.

What symptoms can neck conditions cause?

Depending on which structure is affected, patients may experience:

• A visible or palpable neck lump
• Difficulty swallowing
• Persistent throat discomfort or fullness
• Voice changes or hoarseness
• Recurrent infections or swelling under the jaw
• Symptoms of thyroid imbalance (fatigue, weight changes, heart palpitations)
• High calcium levels (thirst, kidney stones, bone pain, abdominal discomfort)
• Facial or neck pain
• Unexplained enlargement of lymph nodes

Some neck masses remain asymptomatic, while others cause cosmetic concerns or significant medical risks, especially if cancer is suspected.

How are neck conditions treated?

Treatment depends on the specific gland, mass, or abnormality involved, as well as test results and symptoms.

Medical management may include:

• Thyroid hormone regulation
• Monitoring benign nodules or lymph nodes
• Antibiotics or sialagogues for salivary infections

If conservative care cannot resolve the condition—or if test results show overactivity, structural enlargement, or suspicion for cancer—surgery becomes the most effective option.

What types of neck surgery are offered?

Vitale Ear, Nose & Throat provides comprehensive surgical options performed with precision and modern, minimally invasive techniques when possible, including:

Thyroidectomy

Removal of part or all of the thyroid gland to treat thyroid nodules, goiter, thyroid cancer, or hormone imbalance.

Parathyroidectomy

Removal of overactive parathyroid glands or adenomas to correct hyperparathyroidism and prevent complications such as kidney stones and bone loss.

Parotidectomy

Removal of tumors of the parotid gland while preserving facial nerve function.

Submandibular gland excision

Treatment for chronic salivary gland infections, stones, or tumors under the jaw.

Neck mass excision

Removal of benign or suspicious soft-tissue masses, cysts, and lymph nodes to ensure accurate diagnosis and prevent recurrence.

All procedures prioritize safety, preservation of surrounding nerves and structures, and optimal cosmetic outcomes

Call Vitale Ear, Nose & Throat in Wesley Chapel or Zephyrhills today or book an appointment online to receive expert diagnosis and advanced surgical care for your neck condition.