Discovering a small bump on the neck can be unsettling. While many are harmless, understanding their potential causes can help address concerns. This information clarifies various types of neck bumps.
Common Benign Causes
Many neck bumps are benign. Lipomas are a frequent type, appearing as soft, movable fatty lumps just beneath the skin. These growths are typically painless and can be found on the neck. Lipomas usually grow slowly and are typically smaller than two inches.
Sebaceous cysts are another benign cause, forming as lumps filled with an oily, cheese-like material. These cysts often appear under the skin. While generally painless, they can become tender, red, or warm if infected or inflamed.
Skin tags are small, soft growths that project from the skin, often appearing on the neck where skin rubs. These flesh-colored or darker growths are typically painless but can become irritated by friction. They range in size from a few millimeters to a centimeter and may have a distinct stalk.
Inflamed hair follicles can also cause neck bumps, like acne or boils. Acne on the neck presents as blemishes like papules or pustules, caused by clogged pores and bacterial activity. Boils, deeper hair follicle infections, appear as red, swollen, painful, pus-filled bumps, often in areas of sweating or friction.
Inflammatory and Glandular Bumps
Neck bumps can also stem from the body’s immune responses or issues within specific glands. Swollen lymph nodes are a frequent cause, as these immune system structures enlarge in response to infections (e.g., colds, flu, bacterial, viral). They are often felt as tender lumps.
Abscesses form when bacteria cause a localized collection of pus beneath the skin, resulting in a painful, swollen lump. These can develop from various infections and often feel warm to the touch. An abscess is a more severe infection than a pimple or boil, involving deeper tissue.
The thyroid gland, located at the base of the neck, can develop thyroid nodules. Most are benign, but they vary in size and may be felt as distinct bumps. Medical evaluation is often warranted to determine their nature.
Salivary glands, situated under the jaw and near the ears, can swell and appear as neck lumps. Conditions such as infections, blockages, or inflammatory disorders can lead to this swelling, causing discomfort or visible enlargement.
When to Seek Medical Evaluation
While many neck bumps are harmless, certain signs indicate medical evaluation is warranted. Rapid growth or noticeable changes in size or shape warrant a visit to a healthcare professional. Pain, tenderness, redness, or warmth can suggest infection or inflammation.
Other indicators for medical consultation include systemic symptoms like fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss. Difficulty swallowing or breathing, or a voice change, are also red flags.
A bump that feels hard, fixed, or does not move freely, especially if it persists, should be evaluated. Any new, unexplained, or concerning neck lump should be examined by a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and management.
The Medical Assessment Process
Consulting a doctor about a neck bump begins with a medical history and physical examination. The doctor asks about the bump’s appearance, changes, and associated symptoms like pain or fever. During the physical exam, the doctor feels the bump, assessing its size, texture, mobility, and tenderness.
If the initial assessment is unclear or concerning, further diagnostic tests may be recommended. These include blood tests for infection or inflammation, or imaging studies (ultrasound, MRI, CT scan) to visualize the lump and surrounding tissues.
In some cases, a biopsy (tissue sample for microscopic examination) may be performed to determine its exact nature. Treatment depends on the diagnosis, ranging from observation for benign conditions to medication for infections or removal procedures.