Neck lumps

Most of the causes of neck lumps are easily treated, but a neck lump can be a sign of a very serious problem, like cancer.

Many things can cause lumps in your neck. These lumps can be in your:

• skin
• lymph nodes
• thyroid gland
• salivary glands.

Swollen lymph nodes are one of the most common causes. You have lymph nodes all around your neck. They are part of your immune system, which fights infection. Your lymph nodes can stay swollen for several weeks after the infection has gone. If you have neck lumps and have recently been sick, this could be the cause.

Lumps in the front of your neck may be in your thyroid gland.

Thyroid nodules

If the lump is under your jaw and comes and goes when you eat, it may be from a stone in a salivary gland. Salivary glands are where you make spit (saliva) to keep your mouth moist and help with eating. You may need to have the stone removed.

The main symptom is feeling a lump in your neck that was not there before. You might also be able to see the lump.

With some of the causes of neck lumps, you might also have other symptoms of generally feeling unwell.

If the lump is soft or goes away on its own, it is less likely to be a serious condition. You should get it checked by your healthcare provider if you are concerned, or if:

• it grows bigger
• it becomes painful
• it does not go away within 3 weeks.

If you find a new lump in your neck, get it checked by your healthcare provider.

This is more important if the lump:

• feels hard
• is growing
• is red
• is tender
• does not go away after 3 weeks.

It is also important if you have:

• lost weight without trying to
• bad night sweats
• severe tiredness
• a change in your voice for more than 3 weeks
• felt out of breath or have had a cough lasting more than 3 weeks
• difficulty swallowing.

Your healthcare provider will check the lump and decide if you need any treatment or tests.

Tests for neck lumps include:

• taking a small sample with a fine needle aspiration
• an ultrasound scan
• blood tests.

Fine needle aspiration — Cleveland Clinic

The treatment for the neck lump will depend on what is causing it. It could involve:

• treating an infection
• surgery to remove the lump.