Lumps and bumps that appear in the neck are quite common and can have many different causes. These lumps may form on the skin or underneath it, in the deeper tissues. Most neck lumps, especially those found in children and adults, are not cancerous. However, many people become worried when they notice a lump in their neck and visit a doctor right away, mainly because they are afraid it might be something serious or malignant. That is why it is important to know which kinds of neck lumps may be dangerous. In this article, we will talk about the different types of neck cysts, their symptoms, and how they are treated.
Neck Lump Symptoms
Since a neck lump can be caused by many different conditions, the symptoms can also vary. Some people may not experience any symptoms at all, while others may have signs related to the condition that caused the lump in the first place.
Neck Lump Symptoms
For instance, if an infection is the reason behind your neck lump and your lymph nodes are enlarged, you might also experience a sore throat, difficulties with swallowing, or ear pain. If the lump is pressing on your airway, you could encounter breathing issues while speaking, or your voice may seem raspy.
In certain situations, individuals with neck lumps linked to cancer may observe alterations in the skin surrounding the area. Additionally, they might notice blood or mucus in their saliva. This is why you should never ignore the symptoms of a neck tumor.
Neck Lump Causes
The primary cause of a lump in the neck is swollen lymph nodes. Lymph nodes house specific cells that assist your body in combating infections and targeting harmful or cancerous cells. When you are ill, these lymph nodes might enlarge as they respond to the infection.
Common causes of swollen lymph nodes include:
Neck Lump Causes
In addition to these, other common health conditions can also lead to the formation of a neck lump, such as:
- Enlargement of the thyroid gland, which can happen due to autoimmune diseases, thyroid cancer, or other thyroid problems like goiter caused by iodine deficiency
- Swollen salivary glands, often due to viral infections such as mumps
- A lump in the neck muscles caused by injury or a condition called torticollis (twisted neck)
In the following sections, we will discuss more possible causes of neck lumps.
Neck Lump Caused by Cancer
Although most neck lumps are benign, cancer is one of the possible causes. The risk of a neck lump being cancerous increases after the age of fifty. Lifestyle choices such as smoking and drinking alcohol can also play a role.
A frequent risk factor for cancers affecting the neck, throat, and mouth is an infection caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). This virus is mainly transmitted through sexual activity and is relatively common.
Research from the American Cancer Society (ACS) indicates that indications of HPV infection are currently found in two-thirds of cases of throat cancer.
Neck Lump Caused by Cancer
In general, cancers that may appear as a lump in the neck include:
- Head and neck cancers
- Hodgkin lymphoma
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Leukemia and other types of cancer, including lung, thyroid, throat, and breast cancer
- Skin cancers, such as actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma
Neck Lump Caused by Viruses
When we think of viruses, we often think of the common cold or the flu. However, there are many other viruses that can infect the human body and even lead to a neck lump. Some of these include:
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the cause of AIDS
- The herpes simplex virus is a common infection that can lead to cold sores around the mouth as well as genital herpes
- Infectious mononucleosis virus
- Rubella virus
- Viral pharyngitis virus
- Neck Lump Caused by Bacteria
Different bacterial infections can result in swelling in the neck and throat, occasionally causing a lump to develop. These include:
- Infection caused by atypical mycobacteria, which is more common in people with weakened immune systems or lung disease
- Cat scratch fever, which results from a skin scratch by a cat infected with Bartonella henselae bacteria
- Peritonsillar abscess, a type of abscess that forms on or near the tonsils
- Strep throat
- Tonsillitis
- Tuberculosis
- Bacterial pharyngitis
Neck Lump Cancer
A neck lump can sometimes be a sign of cancer, especially in adults over the age of fifty or those with certain risk factors, such as smoking, heavy alcohol use, or infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV).
Neck Lump Cancer
Cancerous neck lumps are often firm, painless, and grow quickly. They may be linked to cancers of the throat, thyroid, lymph nodes, or salivary glands. Detecting the condition early is essential for achieving effective and successful treatment outcomes.
If a doctor suspects cancer, they may perform a biopsy and other diagnostic tests to confirm it and determine the stage. Treatment often involves a combination of surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, depending on the type and spread of the cancer.
What Is the Difference Between Fat and a Lump in the Neck?
A lipoma, or fat gland, is a benign growth that forms due to the accumulation of triglycerides and cholesterol in the blood, leading to a buildup of fat under the skin.
Lipomas are typically soft and can be easily removed through outpatient surgery. On the other hand, a neck lump can have various causes, and a lipoma is just one possible reason for the formation of a lump.
When Should I Worry about a Lump in My Neck?
By visiting a doctor and having the neck lump examined, it is possible to determine whether it is harmless or potentially serious. If the lump feels soft or goes away on its own, it is less likely to be caused by something dangerous.
Lump in Neck
Red or tender lumps may be the result of an infection and can often be treated with antibiotics. The most concerning lumps are those that feel very hard and grow quickly over a short period of time.
Any lump that seems suspicious should always be checked and examined by a doctor. You should seek medical attention immediately if the lump appears along with any of the following symptoms:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent hoarseness or changes in the voice that continue for over three weeks
- Night sweats
- Difficulty swallowing
- Shortness of breath or breathing problems
- Coughing up blood
- Constant fatigue
- Unexplained bruising
Neck Lump Treatment
The approach to treating a neck lump is determined by the condition that has caused it. This means that not all neck lumps are treated the same way. Lumps caused by swollen lymph nodes often do not need any treatment because they usually go away once the condition that caused the swelling is resolved.
Neck Lump Treatment
In certain situations, medical intervention may be required. For example, an ear infection may need to be treated with antibiotics or ear drops in order to reduce the swelling in the lymph nodes.
In general, the best way to treat a neck lump is to treat the condition that caused it. Based on the cause, a specialist will decide whether treatment is needed and what kind of treatment is appropriate.
For instance, an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) can be treated by replacing the missing hormone with thyroxine. As a result, the lump caused by the enlarged thyroid gland may also go away.
How to Remove a Neck Lump?
The decision to remove a neck lump is fully based on its underlying cause. In many cases, lumps do not need to be physically removed, as they shrink or disappear once the underlying issue, such as an infection or inflammation, is treated. However, if the lump is caused by a cyst, a benign tumor, or an enlarged gland that does not respond to medication, a surgical procedure may be recommended.
In situations where the lump causes discomfort, affects appearance, or grows in size, removal might be the best option. Your doctor may also suggest imaging tests or a biopsy before surgery to better understand the lump’s nature and decide the safest way to remove it.
Neck Lump Surgery
How to Prevent Neck Lumps
You can reduce the risk of developing a neck lump by adopting a healthier lifestyle with the following strategies:
- Daily exercise
- Eating a balanced and varied diet
- Avoiding drugs and alcohol
- Regular visits to the doctor and annual check-ups
How Is the Cause of a Neck Lump Determined?
In some cases, a doctor can diagnose the cause of a neck lump based on a physical examination and an evaluation of other symptoms. However, in other situations, additional tests may be needed to confirm the diagnosis, including:
- A complete blood count (CBC) to assess your overall health and identify possible causes like infection
- Imaging techniques such as ultrasound, X-rays, CT scans, or MRI
- A biopsy (tissue sample) for further analysis
Final Word
Neck lumps come in many forms. Some are large and easy to see, while others are very small. Although most neck lumps are harmless and non-cancerous, their appearance can sometimes be a sign of a more serious condition, such as an infection or cancerous growth. For this reason, it is important to have any new or unusual lump checked by a doctor as soon as possible. Identifying cancer or other serious conditions at an early stage can significantly enhance the likelihood of effective treatment. A full medical examination by a specialist, which may include imaging tests and possibly a biopsy, can help determine the cause of the lump and guide the best treatment plan if needed.
