Lump in the throat. What to do?

Where to run, whom to contact?

Let’s first understand what might cause the sensation of a “lump” in the throat.

1. Stress, anxiety syndrome, general unease. Remember yourself as a student or schoolchild taking an exam, and that feeling of a “lump” in your throat due to anxiety. What is happening? In fact, during stress, a pharyngeal spasm occurs, which often feels like a lump in the throat.
2. Inflammatory diseases of ENT organs, including chronic: tonsillitis, pharyngitis, sinusitis.
3. Cervical spine pathology, cervical instability
4. GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Due to the backflow of gastric juice and digestive enzymes, a burn of the posterior pharyngeal wall occurs, which can also lead to similar symptoms.
5. Pathology of the thyroid gland itself, nodules, goiter, as well as the condition after thyroidectomy (removal of the thyroid gland)
6. A foreign body in the oropharynx, especially when it damages the mucosa and causes swelling, can create a sensation of a “lump” in the throat.
7. Masses of the pharynx and larynx (rare pathology)

Which specialists should I consult?

First of all, we recommend a consultation with a therapist or ENT doctor. Specialists will conduct a thorough medical history and examination, and if necessary, will prescribe additional tests or consultations with other specialists (endocrinologist, gastroenterologist, oncologist)

It’s better to clarify the list of necessary examinations with a doctor; this will save you money and help accurately determine the cause of the “lump in the throat” sensation.

Lilia Albertovna Barsukova (Kuzina)
Endocrinologist-Dietitian
V.S. Buzaev International Medical Centre