A bump on the side of the neck can be a surprising discovery. While many neck lumps are harmless and resolve on their own, some indicate an underlying medical condition requiring attention. This article explores common reasons for neck bumps, discusses when they might signal something more serious, outlines important symptoms to monitor, and provides guidance on what steps to take next.
Common Reasons for a Neck Bump
One frequent cause of a neck bump is swollen lymph nodes. These small, bean-shaped structures are part of the body’s immune system, filtering lymph fluid and trapping harmful substances. Lymph nodes enlarge in response to infections like the common cold, strep throat, or mononucleosis, often feeling soft, movable, and sometimes tender to the touch. The swelling typically subsides as the infection clears.
Cysts are another common type. Sebaceous cysts form when oil glands block, leading to a fluid-filled sac. Epidermal cysts occur when skin cells get trapped under the surface, creating a smooth, round lump. These cysts are usually benign but can become inflamed or infected.
Lipomas, benign fatty tumors, appear as soft, doughy, movable lumps just beneath the skin. They grow slowly, are generally painless, and are commonly found on the neck, back, or shoulders. While harmless, they can cause discomfort or cosmetic concern if large.
Muscle knots, or myofascial trigger points, develop in neck muscles due to strain, tension, or poor posture. These feel like tight, sometimes painful, bands or nodules.
Localized skin infections, such as boils or abscesses, can also present as painful, red, swollen bumps. These occur when bacteria infect hair follicles or sweat glands, leading to pus accumulation. Such bumps often come with warmth and tenderness.
When a Neck Bump May Be Serious
While many neck bumps are benign, some less common causes are more serious, requiring medical evaluation. Thyroid nodules are growths in the thyroid gland, located at the base of the neck. Most are non-cancerous, but a small percentage can be malignant. Large nodules might be visible or felt, and can cause symptoms like difficulty swallowing or voice changes if they press on surrounding structures.
Issues with salivary glands, such as the parotid or submandibular glands, can also lead to neck lumps. These include infections like sialadenitis, or the development of tumors, which can be benign or malignant. A stone in a salivary duct can also cause swelling.
Other benign tumors, less common than lipomas and simple cysts, can occur in the neck. These include fibromas or neurofibromas, which are non-cancerous growths of fibrous or nerve tissue.
Malignant tumors represent a more serious cause, though they are less common than benign conditions. Lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system, often presents as a painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin. These lumps can be firm and may be accompanied by systemic symptoms. A neck lump could also be a sign of metastatic cancer, meaning cancer that has spread to the neck lymph nodes from a primary tumor elsewhere in the body, such as the head, neck, skin, thyroid, or salivary glands.
Important Symptoms to Monitor
Observing specific characteristics of a neck bump and any accompanying symptoms helps determine if medical attention is needed. A bump that exhibits rapid growth, increases significantly in size, or feels unusually firm or fixed to underlying tissues warrants prompt evaluation. Changes in its shape, particularly if irregular, are also concerning.
Persistent or worsening pain or tenderness of the bump, especially if not linked to a recent infection or injury, should be noted. Skin changes over the bump, such as new redness, warmth, or persistent swelling, or any skin breakdown, are also important indicators.
Systemic symptoms, which affect the body as a whole, can be red flags. These include unexplained weight loss, recurring fevers, night sweats, or persistent fatigue. Such symptoms, when present with a neck lump, suggest a need for professional medical advice.
Other local symptoms indicating a potentially serious issue include difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) or difficulty breathing (dyspnea). Voice changes, such as hoarseness lasting more than a few weeks, a persistent sore throat, or ear pain on the same side as the lump, also require medical investigation.
What to Do Next
Any new, persistent, growing, or concerning neck bump should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. Distinguishing between benign and serious causes requires medical expertise and specific diagnostic tests. A lump lasting longer than two to three weeks, or one increasing in size or feeling hard, should prompt a doctor’s visit.
At the visit, a thorough medical history will be taken, followed by a physical examination. Depending on findings, the doctor may order tests to determine the cause. These include blood tests for infection or systemic issues, and imaging studies like ultrasound, CT, or MRI to visualize the lump and surrounding structures. In some cases, a biopsy, taking a small tissue sample for microscopic examination, may be performed for a definitive diagnosis.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause. For infections, antibiotics or other medications might be prescribed. Benign conditions like small lipomas or cysts may only require observation, while larger or symptomatic ones might be surgically removed. If a serious condition is diagnosed, treatment will be tailored to that specific condition.