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Neck lump
Lump in the neck
A neck lump is any lump, bump, or swelling in the neck.
Considerations
There are many causes of lumps in the neck. The most common lumps or swellings are enlarged lymph nodes . These can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, cancer ( malignancy ), or other rare causes.
Enlarged lymph nodes
Lymph nodes are present throughout your body. They are an important part of your immune system. Lymph nodes help your body recognize and fight germ...
Malignancy
The term "malignancy" refers to the presence of cancerous cells that have the ability to spread to other sites in the body (metastasize) or to invade...
Swollen salivary glands under the jaw may be caused by infection or cancer. Lumps in the muscles of the neck are caused by injury or torticollis . These lumps are often at the front of the neck. Lumps in the skin or just below the skin are often caused by cysts , such as sebaceous cysts .
Torticollis
Torticollis is a condition in which the neck muscles cause the head to turn or rotate to the side.
Cysts
A cyst is a closed pocket or pouch of tissue. It can be filled with air, fluid, pus, or other material.
Sebaceous cysts
A sebaceous cyst is a closed sac under the skin filled with a cheese-like or oily material.
The thyroid gland may also produce swelling or one or more lumps. This can be due to thyroid disease or cancer. Most cancers of the thyroid gland grow very slowly. They are often cured with surgery, even if they have been present for several years.
All neck lumps in children and adults should be checked right away by a health care provider. In children, most neck lumps are caused by infections that can be treated. Treatment should start quickly to prevent complications or the spread of infection.
As adults age, the likelihood of the lump being a cancer increases. This is particularly true for people who smoke or drink a lot of alcohol. Most lumps in adults are not cancers.
Causes
Lumps in the neck from swollen lymph nodes may be caused by:
- Bacterial or viral infection
- Cancer
- Thyroid disease
- Allergic reaction
Lumps in the neck due to enlarged salivary glands may be caused by:
- Infection
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Mumps
Mumps
Mumps is a contagious disease that leads to painful swelling of the salivary glands. The salivary glands produce saliva, a liquid that moistens food...
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Salivary gland tumor
Salivary gland tumor
A tumor is an abnormal growth of body tissue. Tumors can be cancerous (malignant) or noncancerous (benign).
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Home Care
See your provider to have the cause of the neck lump treated.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call your health care provider if you have an abnormal neck swelling or lumps in your neck.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit
The health care provider will take your medical history and do a physical exam.
You may be asked questions such as:
- Where is the lump located?
- Is it a hard lump or a soft, pliable (moves slightly), bag-like (cystic) mass?
- Is it painless?
- Is the entire neck swollen?
- Has it been growing bigger? Over how many months?
-
Do you have a
rash
or other symptoms
Rash
Rashes involve changes in the color, feeling or texture of your skin.
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Do you have
difficulty breathing
?
Difficulty breathing
Breathing difficulty may involve:Difficult breathingUncomfortable breathingFeeling like you are not getting enough air
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If you are diagnosed with a thyroid goiter, you may need to take medicine or have surgery to remove it.
You may need the following tests if the provider suspects a thyroid nodule :
Nodule
Skin nodules are solid or cystic raised bumps in the skin that are wider than 1 centimeter (cm), but less than 2 cm.
-
CT scan of the head
or neck
CT scan of the head
A head computed tomography (CT) scan uses many x-rays to create pictures of the head, including the skull, brain, eye sockets, and sinuses.
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Radioactive
thyroid scan
Thyroid scan
A thyroid scan uses a radioactive iodine tracer to examine the structure and function of the thyroid gland. This test is often done together with a ...
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Thyroid
biopsy
Biopsy
A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue for laboratory examination.
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If the lump is caused by a bacterial infection, you may need to take antibiotics. If the cause is a noncancerous mass or cyst, you may need surgery to remove it.
References
Nugent A, El-Deiry M. Differential diagnosis of neck masses. In: Flint PW, Haughey BH, Lund V, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 114.
Pfaff JA, Moore GP. Otolaryngology. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 72.
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Lymphatic system - illustration
The lymphatic system filters fluid from around cells. It is an important part of the immune system. When people refer to swollen glands in the neck, they are usually referring to swollen lymph nodes. Common areas where lymph nodes can be easily felt, especially if they are enlarged, are: the groin, armpits (axilla), above the clavicle (supraclavicular), in the neck (cervical), and the back of the head just above hairline (occipital).
Lymphatic system
illustration
-
Neck lump - illustration
The most frequently seen lumps or swellings in the neck are enlarged lymph nodes. This can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, malignancy, and other rare causes.
Neck lump
illustration
-
Lymphatic system - illustration
The lymphatic system filters fluid from around cells. It is an important part of the immune system. When people refer to swollen glands in the neck, they are usually referring to swollen lymph nodes. Common areas where lymph nodes can be easily felt, especially if they are enlarged, are: the groin, armpits (axilla), above the clavicle (supraclavicular), in the neck (cervical), and the back of the head just above hairline (occipital).
Lymphatic system
illustration
-
Neck lump - illustration
The most frequently seen lumps or swellings in the neck are enlarged lymph nodes. This can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, malignancy, and other rare causes.
Neck lump
illustration
Review Date: 1/31/2015
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director and Director of Didactic Curriculum, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
