Finding a lump on your neck can be unsettling. While many neck lumps are benign, a medical evaluation is important for any new or changing lump for accurate diagnosis and management. Understanding the various causes can help demystify these occurrences.
Common Causes of Neck Lumps
Swollen lymph nodes are a frequent cause of neck lumps. These small, bean-shaped glands are part of your immune system, filtering lymph fluid and trapping pathogens. They commonly swell in response to infections such as the common cold, flu, strep throat, or mononucleosis. They typically feel soft, movable, and can be tender or painful, indicating active infection.
Cysts also frequently appear as neck lumps. Sebaceous cysts (epidermoid cysts) form under the skin, filled with keratin. They are usually round, soft, and painless unless inflamed or infected. Branchial cleft cysts are congenital, arising from incompletely developed embryonic tissue. They can appear between the jaw and collarbone, often noticeable in childhood or young adulthood, and may swell or become tender if infected.
Lipomas are common benign fatty tumors. Composed of fat, they feel soft, doughy, and movable under the skin. They are generally painless and slow-growing, often going unnoticed.
Muscle knots can also present as neck lumps. These are tightened muscle fibers, contracted even at rest. They often result from poor posture, overuse, injury, or stress, forming a hard, sensitive, and often painful bump. While uncomfortable and restricting movement, they are not serious.
Other Potential Causes
Beyond common causes, other conditions can lead to neck lumps, some requiring medical attention. Thyroid nodules can develop in the thyroid gland, located at the base of the neck. These can be solid or fluid-filled and are often benign, though a small percentage can be cancerous. They might feel firm and are sometimes movable, often detected during a routine physical examination or imaging.
Salivary gland issues can also manifest as neck lumps. Major salivary glands (parotid and submandibular) can develop infections, stones, or tumors. Infections (sialadenitis) can cause painful swelling, while salivary stones might lead to a lump more prominent during meals. Less common, tumors can also cause persistent lumps.
Benign tumors, distinct from lipomas or cysts, can also appear. Examples include neurofibromas (nerve sheath tumors) or vascular malformations (abnormal blood vessels). These vary in size, consistency, and location depending on the tissue type. While non-cancerous, evaluation may be needed to ensure they are not compressing nerves or other structures.
A neck lump can sometimes signify a malignant condition, such as cancer. This includes lymphomas (cancers of the lymphatic system) or metastatic cancer, where cells spread from another body part to neck lymph nodes. Primary head and neck cancers or thyroid cancer can also present as a neck mass. Malignant lumps tend to be hard, fixed, and may grow rapidly, only a medical professional can diagnose such conditions.
When a Neck Lump Needs Medical Attention
While many neck lumps are harmless, certain characteristics and accompanying symptoms should prompt a doctor’s visit. A lump persisting over a few weeks, especially without clear infection signs, warrants professional evaluation.
Lump characteristics are important. Lumps that feel hard, fixed (not movable), or irregularly shaped should be examined. Rapid growth also necessitates prompt medical attention.
Other symptoms with a neck lump can indicate a more serious underlying issue. These include unexplained fever, night sweats, or unintentional weight loss. Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia), breathing (dyspnea), persistent hoarseness, or chronic sore throat are also concerning. Pain in the lump, especially if new or worsening, should also be evaluated.
Individual risk factors influence the urgency of medical consultation. New lumps in older adults, particularly with a history of smoking or heavy alcohol use, should be assessed due to increased cancer risk. Ultimately, any new or concerning neck lump should be discussed with a medical professional for accurate diagnosis and appropriate action.
What to Expect at the Doctor’s Office
A doctor’s visit for a neck lump typically begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination. The doctor will ask about the lump’s appearance, feel, and associated symptoms. A physical examination will then assess the lump’s size, consistency, mobility, and tenderness. This assessment helps determine initial possibilities.
Based on initial findings, diagnostic tests may be ordered. Blood tests may check for infection, inflammation, or other systemic conditions contributing to the lump. These provide insights into overall health and immune response.
Imaging scans visualize the lump’s internal structure and relationship to surrounding tissues. Ultrasound is often the first choice due to its non-invasive nature, differentiating solid from fluid-filled masses. For a more detailed view, CT or MRI scans provide cross-sectional images. These techniques help characterize the lump’s size, exact location, and potential involvement of adjacent structures.
A biopsy is often the definitive diagnostic step. This involves taking a tissue sample for laboratory analysis. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a common biopsy type, using a thin needle to withdraw cells from the lump. If a larger sample is needed, an excisional biopsy (surgical removal of the entire lump or a portion) may be performed. The sample is then examined under a microscope to determine its nature (benign or malignant).
Once diagnosed, treatment depends on the neck lump’s underlying cause. Treatment ranges from observation for harmless lumps, medication for infections, or surgical removal for benign or malignant growths. Your doctor will discuss the most appropriate treatment plan based on your diagnosis.