Neck pain is a common experience, often resulting from everyday issues like muscle strain, poor posture, or arthritis. However, in rare instances, persistent or unusual neck pain can signal a more serious underlying condition, such as cancer. This article discusses specific cancers that may cause neck pain, though such occurrences are uncommon. This information is for general understanding and should not replace professional medical advice.
Cancers Originating in the Neck
Primary cancers developing directly within the neck can cause localized pain. Head and neck cancers, including malignancies of the throat, mouth, thyroid, or salivary glands, are examples. Pain arises as the growing tumor invades or presses on surrounding tissues, nerves, or bones. For instance, throat cancers may cause a dull pain around the neck, or pain with swallowing.
Primary bone tumors of the cervical spine, though rare, can also originate in the neck bones. These tumors can lead to persistent neck pain not relieved by typical remedies. Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system, frequently involves the lymph nodes. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck due to lymphoma can sometimes cause pain or discomfort.
Cancers Spreading to the Neck
Cancer can also originate elsewhere and metastasize to the neck. This occurs when cancer cells travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to the cervical spine (neck bones) or lymph nodes. Metastatic cancers are a more common cause of cancer-related neck pain than primary bone tumors.
Several primary cancer sites frequently metastasize to bone, including the cervical spine. These include lung, breast, and prostate cancer. Kidney cancer, multiple myeloma (a blood cancer), and melanoma (skin cancer) can also spread to the spine. When metastatic cancer affects the neck bones, it can cause pain through bone tissue destruction, or by compressing the spinal cord or nerve roots.
Understanding Cancer-Related Neck Pain
Distinguishing cancer-related neck pain from common causes involves recognizing specific characteristics. Cancer-related pain tends to be persistent and progressive, worsening over time and not relieved by rest, position changes, or common pain medications. This pain might also be worse at night, sometimes disrupting sleep.
Beyond localized pain, cancer-related neck pain can be accompanied by systemic “B symptoms.” These include unexplained weight loss, persistent fever, drenching night sweats, and fatigue not improving with rest. Other localized symptoms may arise depending on the cancer’s location. These can include difficulty swallowing, changes in voice, a palpable lump in the neck, or ear pain. Neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms or hands, or even loss of bladder or bowel control, can occur if the tumor compresses the spinal cord or nerve roots.
When to Seek Medical Evaluation
It is important to seek prompt medical attention for any new, persistent, or worsening neck pain, especially if it is unexplained. This is particularly true if the pain is accompanied by any of the concerning symptoms mentioned, such as unexplained weight loss, fever, night sweats, or neurological changes.
While cancer is a rare cause of neck pain, early evaluation is important for concerning symptoms. A healthcare professional can accurately diagnose the cause of the pain through a physical examination and, if necessary, further diagnostic tests. Relying on self-diagnosis is not advisable when dealing with persistent or unusual symptoms.