Discovering a lump in your neck can be unsettling, though many are benign. This article provides general information on common causes, but self-diagnosis is not possible. Any new or unusual lump warrants evaluation by a healthcare provider.
Common Causes of Neck Lumps
Swollen lymph nodes are a frequent cause of neck lumps. These small, bean-shaped structures are part of the immune system, filtering substances and fighting infections. When the body combats an infection, such as a common cold, strep throat, or mononucleosis, lymph nodes in the neck can swell and become tender. They typically return to their normal size once the infection resolves.
Cysts are another common type of neck lump, often fluid-filled sacs. These include sebaceous cysts, which form under the skin, or congenital cysts like thyroglossal duct cysts and branchial cleft cysts. Thyroglossal duct cysts occur in the midline and are related to thyroid development, while branchial cleft cysts appear on the sides of the neck. These cysts may become more noticeable or infected, leading to swelling and discomfort.
Growths within the thyroid gland, located at the base of the neck, are known as thyroid nodules. These are common, especially in women and with increasing age. While most thyroid nodules do not cause symptoms, larger ones might be felt as a lump or, in rare cases, cause difficulty swallowing or breathing if they press on surrounding structures.
Lipomas are soft, fatty lumps beneath the skin. They are typically slow-growing, movable, and often painless, though they can cause discomfort if they press on nerves. They are composed of fat cells and are usually encapsulated.
Muscle knots, also known as trigger points, can be felt as lumps in the neck. These occur when muscle fibers become tense and contracted, often due to poor posture, stress, or overuse. Such knots feel hard to the touch and can cause localized pain, tenderness, and reduced range of motion.
Occasionally, issues with salivary glands, such as stones or infections, can cause swelling and a palpable lump in the neck or under the jaw. While less common, these conditions can lead to discomfort and require medical attention. In rare instances, a neck lump could be a more serious condition, such as a tumor.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Certain signs and symptoms indicate a medical evaluation is necessary. If a neck lump is new, grows rapidly, or persists for more than a few weeks, it warrants prompt attention. Lumps that feel hard, fixed, or are painless can be concerning. Conversely, lumps that are tender and soft often signal an infection.
Accompanying symptoms also guide the decision to seek care. Unexplained weight loss, fever, or night sweats alongside a neck lump should prompt a doctor’s visit. Similarly, difficulty swallowing, changes in voice, or breathing difficulties are important warning signs. Any pain, redness, or warmth around the lump suggests an infection that may require treatment. If a lump is found in a child, medical consultation is always recommended.
What to Expect During a Medical Evaluation
When you visit a healthcare provider for a neck lump, the diagnostic process begins with a thorough medical history. The doctor will ask about when the lump first appeared, how quickly it has grown, and any associated symptoms you may be experiencing, such as pain, fever, or difficulty swallowing. This is followed by a physical examination where the doctor will carefully feel the lump to assess its size, consistency, mobility, and tenderness. They may also examine other areas, including your ears, nose, and throat, as infections in these regions can sometimes cause neck swelling.
Depending on the initial findings, several diagnostic tests might be recommended. Blood tests can help check for signs of infection or inflammation, such as an elevated white blood cell count. Imaging tests, like an ultrasound, are often a first step to visualize the lump’s internal structure and its relationship to surrounding tissues. For more detailed views, a CT scan or MRI might be used. If the nature of the lump remains unclear, a fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy may be performed. This minimally invasive procedure involves inserting a thin needle into the lump to collect a sample for analysis, helping determine if it is benign or malignant.
Approaches to Managing Neck Lumps
For many benign lumps, such as swollen lymph nodes or small lipomas, a “wait-and-see” approach may be taken, involving observation to see if the lump resolves on its own. If the lump is caused by an infection, medication, typically antibiotics, will be prescribed to treat the infection.
Surgical removal is an option for certain types of neck lumps, particularly cysts, problematic thyroid nodules, or any growth determined to be cancerous. For example, some cysts are removed to prevent recurrent infections or for cosmetic reasons. In cases of cancer, additional treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be necessary after surgical removal.