Lump on neck: Causes and pictures

The skin on the back of the neck by the hairline comes into contact with many things that can irritate it. As a result, lumps, bumps, and other skin problems are relatively common here.

A lump can be alarming, especially if it is not within sight. However, many different conditions can cause a swollen lump on the back of the neck, including benign causes, such as acne and irritation. One cause sometimes leads to another. For example, a boil on the back of the neck can cause the lymph nodes to swell.

The most common causes of a lump on the neck include the following:

The lymph nodes are the body’s drainage system. They help the immune system get rid of bacteria, viruses, and dead cells. Lymph nodes sometimes swell, especially if the body is fighting an infection.

Several lymph nodes run along the back of the neck on either side of the spine. There are also lymph nodes behind each ear. A tender lump that is about the size of a marble and moves slightly when a person touches it may be a swollen lymph node.

Sometimes, lymph nodes swell when there is an infection nearby. Therefore, a swollen lymph node in the neck might be a sign of an ear infection or an infected cyst. Lymph nodes can also swell for no obvious reason. As long as the swelling disappears, there is no reason to worry.

Although it is rare, swollen lymph nodes can sometimes signal a more serious problem, such as cancer. People should see a doctor if the swelling does not disappear after a few weeks.

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Acne, including blackheads, pimples, and deep cystic acne, can cause lumps and swellings on the back of the neck.

Acne develops when sweat, bacteria, and oil block the pores. Although hormonal changes during adolescence often trigger acne, it can appear at any age.

The neck is a common site for acne. Hair care products, sweat, and clothing can all irritate the back of the neck, making acne worse.

A wide variety of over-the-counter (OTC) remedies may help, as may switching shampoos, keeping the neck clean and dry, and keeping the hair off the neck.

If acne is severe, very painful, or does not respond to home remedies, a dermatologist may prescribe a stronger medication.

Share on PinterestImage credit: Steven Fruitsmaak, 2010.

A sebaceous cyst is a nodule under the skin that contains the protein keratin. These cysts can grow very large. Most are painless, but if they become infected, they may resemble large pimples. Cysts may come and go, or they may continually grow larger.

Some cysts come to a head or ooze when a person squeezes them. However, popping a cyst will not cure it, and doing this can cause an infection. In most cases, a doctor can use a simple procedure to remove a cyst in their office.

If the cyst is painful or red, it is important to see a doctor as this is a sign of infection. Warm compresses and OTC pain medication can also help.

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A red and painful bump might be a boil. Boils are local infections, which means that there is an infection in the boil but not the surrounding skin. Cysts, acne, and blocked hair follicles can become infected and turn into boils.

Squeezing a boil can cause the infection to become worse or spread. Instead, people should try applying warm compresses and keeping the area clean.

A person should see a doctor if fever develops or if the boil is very painful or does not go away on its own in a few days. The doctor may drain the boil or prescribe antibiotics.

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In most cases, moles appear during childhood, but new moles can grow at any age. If the lump feels fleshy and is on the skin rather than underneath it or in the muscle, it might be a mole.

Moles themselves are not a problem, but some moles can become cancerous. A person can use a mirror to look at the mole or ask someone else to check it.

Use the ABCDE acronym to check for signs of skin cancer:

• A: asymmetrical mole
• B: uneven or irregular border
• C: uneven color or unusual shades, such as blue and red
• D: diameter greater than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser)
• E: evolving and changing over time

Anyone concerned about their moles should consider scheduling an annual mole check with a dermatologist to ensure that they are all healthy.

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Many substances can irritate the back of the neck.

Shampoo, hair care products, detergent on clothing, and sunscreen may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Friction from clothing also sometimes irritates the neck and causes a rash.

If the lump is small and itchy or there are dry patches on the neck, this could indicate irritated skin or an allergic reaction.

A person may find that it helps to change detergents, keep the neck clean, keep the hair off the neck, and reduce the number of products that they use on the skin and hair.

If these actions are not effective, a doctor may want to test for allergies and examine the rash to ensure that something else did not cause it.

Injured or tense muscles can form knots. These tight bands of muscle tissue may be as small as a pea or as large as a baseball. In most cases, they are only palpable underneath the skin and will not cause a visible lump or bump above the skin.

The neck is a common site for muscle pain and tension. Spending consecutive days being hunched over a desk and looking at a computer can irritate the muscles that connect the head to the neck at the hairline. Muscle knots, also called myofascial trigger points, are a sign that the muscles are tense. However, they do not indicate a serious health problem.

A lump is likely to be a muscle knot if:

• it is in a band of muscle rather than above a bone or on the skin
• pushing on it causes muscle pain or tension in either the knot or the surrounding area

Massage can help with muscle knots. Gentle neck stretches, frequent breaks, and good posture can also be beneficial and may prevent muscle knots from forming.

It is easy for a person to panic if they feel a lump on the back of the neck. However, most lumps are relatively harmless and very few are real emergencies. If the lump does not hurt and there are no other symptoms, it is usually okay to wait a few days to see a doctor. If the bump does not go away, a person should see a doctor.

Even if the cause is something serious, such as an infection or cancer, early treatment significantly increases the likelihood of a positive outcome. People should not allow fear and anxiety to deter them from seeking medical care.

Pictures, Causes, Associated Symptoms, and More

A lump on your neck can result from a viral infection or a benign growth. But sometimes it may indicate an underlying condition.

A lump on the neck is also called a neck mass. Neck lumps or masses can be large and visible, or they can be very small. Most neck lumps aren’t harmful. Most are also benign, or noncancerous. But a neck lump can also be a sign of a serious condition, such as an infection or a cancerous growth.

If you have a neck lump, your healthcare provider should evaluate it promptly. See your healthcare provider right away if you have an unexplained neck mass.

Many conditions can cause neck lumps. Here is a list of 19 possible causes.

Warning graphic images ahead.

Infectious mononucleosis

Share on PinterestImage by: James Heilman, MD (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons

• Infectious mononucleosis is usually caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)
• It mainly occurs in high school and college students
• Symptoms include fever, swollen lymph glands, sore throat, headache, fatigue, night sweats, and body aches
• Symptoms may last for up to 2 months

Read full article on infectious mononucleosis.

Thyroid nodules

Share on PinterestImage by: Nevit Dilmen [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], from Wikimedia Commons

• These are solid or fluid-filled lumps that develop in the thyroid gland
• They’re classified as cold, warm, or hot, depending on whether they produce thyroid hormones or not
• Thyroid nodules are usually harmless, but may be a sign of disease like cancer or autoimmune dysfunction
• Swollen or lumpy thyroid gland, cough, hoarse voice, pain in the throat or neck, difficulty swallowing or breathing are possible symptoms
• Symptoms can indicate an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroid) or underactive thyroid (hypothyroid)

Read full article on thyroid nodules.

Branchial cleft cyst

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• Branchial cleft cyst is a type of birth defect in which a lump develops on one or both sides of a child’s neck or below the collarbone.
• It occurs during embryonic development when tissues in the neck and collarbone, or branchial cleft, don’t develop normally.
• In most cases, a branchial cleft cyst isn’t dangerous, but it may cause skin irritation or infection and, in rare cases, cancer.
• Signs include a dimple, lump, or skin tag on your child’s neck, upper shoulder, or slightly below their collarbone.
• Other signs include fluid draining from your child’s neck, and swelling or tenderness that usually occurs with an upper respiratory infection.

Read full article on branchial cleft cysts.

Goiter

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• A goiter is an abnormal growth of the thyroid gland
• It may be benign or associated with increases or decreases in thyroid hormone
• Goiters may be nodular or diffuse
• Enlargement may cause difficulty swallowing or breathing, coughing, hoarseness, or dizziness when you raise your arm above your head

Read full article on goiters.

Tonsillitis

Share on PinterestImage by: Michaelbladon at English Wikipedia (Transferred from en.wikipedia to Commons.) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

• This is a viral or bacterial infection of the tonsil lymph nodes
• Symptoms include sore throat, difficulty swallowing, fever, chills, headache, bad breath
• Swollen, tender tonsils and white or yellow spots on tonsils may also occur

Read full article on tonsillitis.

Hodgkin’s disease

• The most common symptom is painless swelling of the lymph nodes
• Hodgkins disease may cause night sweats, itchy skin, or unexplained fever
• Fatigue, unintended weight loss, or persistent cough are other symptoms

Read full article on hodgkin’s disease.

Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

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• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a diverse group of white blood cell cancers
• Classic B symptoms include fever, night sweats, and unintentional weight loss
• Other possible symptoms include painless, swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver, enlarged spleen, skin rash, itching, fatigue, and abdominal swelling

Read full article on non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Thyroid cancer

• This cancer occurs when normal cells in the thyroid become abnormal and start to grow out of control
• It’s the most common form of endocrine cancer with multiple subtypes
• Symptoms include lump in the throat, cough, hoarse voice, pain in the throat or neck, difficulty swallowing, swollen lymph nodes in neck, swollen or lumpy thyroid gland

Read full article on thyroid cancer.

Swollen lymph nodes

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• Lymph nodes become swollen in response to illness, infection, medications, and stress, or, more rarely, cancer and autoimmune disease
• Swollen nodes may be tender or painless, and located in one or more places throughout the body
• Small, firm, bean-shaped lumps appear in the armpits, under the jaw, on the sides of the neck, in the groin, or above the collarbone
• Lymph nodes are considered swollen when they are larger than 1 to 2 cm in size

Read full article on swollen lymph nodes.

Lipoma

• Soft to the touch and moves easily if prodded with your finger
• Small, just under the skin, and pale or colorless
• Commonly located in the neck, back, or shoulders
• Only painful if it grows into nerves

Read full article on lipoma.

Mumps

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• Mumps is an extremely contagious disease caused by the mumps virus It spreads by saliva, nasal secretions, and close personal contact with infected people
• Fever, fatigue, body aches, headache and loss of appetite are common
• Inflammation of the salivary (parotid) glands causes swelling, pressure, and pain in the cheeks
• Complications of infection include inflammation of the testicles (orchitis), inflammation of the ovaries, meningitis, encephalitis, pancreatitis, and permanent hearing loss
• Vaccination protects against mumps infection and mumps complications

Read full article on mumps.

Bacterial pharyngitis

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• Bacterial pharyngitis is inflammation in the back of the throat caused by a bacterial or viral infection
• It causes a sore, dry, or scratchy throat accompanied by other symptoms such as fever, chills, body aches, nasal congestion, swollen lymph nodes, headache, cough, fatigue, or nausea
• The duration of symptoms depends on the cause of the infection

Read full article on bacterial pharyngitis.

Throat cancer

Share on PinterestImage by: James Heilman, MD [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], from Wikimedia Commons

• This encompasses cancer of the voice box, the vocal cords, and other parts of the throat, such as the tonsils and oropharynx
• It may occur in the form of squamous cell carcinoma or adenocarcinoma
• Symptoms include voice changes, difficulty swallowing, weight loss, sore throat, cough, swollen lymph nodes, and wheezing
• It’s most common in people with a history of smoking, excessive alcohol use, vitamin A deficiency, exposure to asbestos, oral HPV, and poor dental hygiene

Read full article on throat cancer.

Actinic keratosis

• Typically less than 2 cm, or about the size of a pencil eraser
• Thick, scaly, or crusty skin patch
• Appears on parts of the body that receive a lot of sun exposure (hands, arms, face, scalp, and neck)
• Usually pink in color but can have a brown, tan, or gray base

Read full article on actinic keratosis.

Basal cell carcinoma

• Raised, firm, and pale areas that may resemble a scar
• Dome-like, pink or red, shiny, and pearly areas that may have a sunk-in center, like a crater
• Visible blood vessels on the growth
• Easy bleeding or oozing wound that doesn’t seem to heal, or heals and then reappears

Read full article on basal cell carcinoma.

Squamous cell carcinoma

• Often occurs in areas exposed to UV radiation, such as the face, ears, and back of the hands
• Scaly, reddish patch of skin progresses to a raised bump that continues to grow
• Growth that bleeds easily and doesn’t heal, or heals and then reappears

Read full article on squamous cell carcinoma.

Melanoma

• The most serious form of skin cancer, more common in fair-skinned people
• Mole anywhere on the body that has irregularly shaped edges, asymmetrical shape, and multiple colors
• Mole that has changed color or gotten bigger over time
• Usually larger than a pencil eraser

Read full article on melanoma.

Rubella

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• This viral infection is also known as German measles
• A pink or red rash begins on the face and then spreads downward to the rest of the body
• Mild fever, swollen and tender lymph nodes, runny or stuffy nose, headache, muscle pain, inflamed or red eyes are some symptoms
• Rubella is a serious condition in pregnant women, as it may cause congenital rubella syndrome in the fetus
• It’s prevented by receiving normal childhood vaccinations

Read full article on rubella.

Cat-scratch fever

• This disease is contracted from the bites and scratches of cats infected with Bartonella henselae bacteria
• A bump or blister appears at the bite or scratch site
• Swollen lymph nodes near the bite or scratch site Low fever, fatigue, headache, body aches are some of its symptoms

Read full article on cat-scratch fever.

A lump in the neck can be hard or soft, tender or non-tender. Lumps can be located in or under the skin, as in a sebaceous cyst, cystic acne, or lipoma. A lipoma is a benign fatty growth. A lump may also come from tissues and organs within your neck.

Where the lump originates plays an important role in determining what it is. Because there are many muscles, tissues, and organs near the neck, there are many places neck lumps can originate, including:

• the lymph nodes
• the thyroid gland
• parathyroid glands, which are four small glands located behind the thyroid gland
• recurrent laryngeal nerves, which enable movement of the vocal cords
• neck muscles
• the trachea, or windpipe
• the larynx, or voice box
• cervical vertebrae
• nerves of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system
• the brachial plexus, which is a series of nerves that supply your upper limbs and trapezius muscle
• salivary glands
• various arteries and veins

An enlarged lymph node is the most common cause of a neck lump. Lymph nodes contain cells that help your body fight off infections and attack malignant cells, or cancer. When you’re sick, your lymph nodes can become enlarged to help fight the infection. Other common causes of enlarged lymph nodes include:

• ear infections
• sinus infections
• tonsillitis
• strep throat
• dental infections
• bacterial infections of the scalp

There are other illnesses that can cause a neck lump:

• Autoimmune diseases, cancer, and other disorders of the thyroid gland, such as goiter due to iodine deficiency, can cause enlargement of part or all of your thyroid gland.
• Viruses, such as mumps, can make your salivary glands enlarged.
• Injury or torticollis can cause a lump in your neck muscles.

Cancer

Most neck lumps are benign, but cancer is a possible cause. For adults, the chance that a neck lump is cancerous increases after the age of 50, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Lifestyle choices, such as smoking and drinking, can also have an impact.

Prolonged use of tobacco and alcohol are the two greatest risk factors for cancers of the mouth and throat, according to the American Cancer Society (ACS). Another common risk factor for cancers of the neck, throat, and mouth is a human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. This infection is generally transmitted sexually, and it’s very common. The ACS states that signs of an HPV infection are now found in two-thirds of all throat cancers.

Cancers that show up as a lump in the neck could include:

• thyroid cancer
• cancers of the head and neck tissues
• Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• leukemia
• other types of cancer, including lung, throat, and breast cancer
• forms of skin cancer, such as actinic keratosis, basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma

Viruses

When we think of viruses, we commonly think of the common cold and the flu. However, there are plenty of other viruses that can infect humans, many of which can cause a lump in the neck. These include:

• HIV
• herpes simplex
• infectious mononucleosis, or mono
• rubella
• viral pharyngitis

Bacteria

A bacterial infection can cause neck and throat problems, leading to inflammation and a neck lump. They include:

• infection from atypical mycobacterium, a type of bacteria most common in people with compromised immune systems and lung disease
• cat scratch fever
• peritonsillar abscess, which is an abscess on or near the tonsils
• strep throat
• tonsillitis
• tuberculosis
• bacterial pharyngitis

Many of these infections may be treated with prescription antibiotics.

Other possible causes

Neck lumps might also be caused by lipomas, which develop under the skin. They may also be caused by a branchial cleft cyst or thyroid nodules.

There are other, less common causes of neck lumps. Allergic reactions to medication and food can cause neck lumps. A stone in the salivary duct, which can block saliva, can also cause a neck lump.

Because a neck lump can be caused by such a variety of conditions and diseases, there can be many other related symptoms. Some people will have no symptoms. Others will have some symptoms related to the condition that’s causing the neck lump.

If your neck lump is caused by an infection and your lymph nodes are enlarged, you might also have a sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or pain in the ear. If your neck lump is blocking your airway, you might also have trouble breathing or sound hoarse when you speak.

Sometimes people with neck lumps that are caused by cancer have skin changes around the area. They may also have blood or phlegm in their saliva.

Your healthcare provider will likely want to ask you about your health history, including details about your lifestyle habits and your symptoms. Your healthcare provider will want to know how long you’ve been smoking or drinking and how much you smoke or drink on a daily basis. They’ll also want to know when your symptoms started and how severe they are. This will be followed by a physical exam.

During the physical exam, your healthcare provider will carefully examine your:

• scalp
• ears
• eyes
• nose
• mouth
• throat
• neck

They will also look for any abnormal skin changes and other related symptoms.

Your diagnosis will be based on your symptoms, history, and the results of the physical exam. In some cases, your healthcare provider may refer you to an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist for a detailed evaluation of those body parts as well as your sinuses.

The ENT specialist may perform an oto-rhino-laryngoscopy. During this procedure, they’ll use a lighted instrument to see areas of your ears, nose, and throat that aren’t otherwise visible. This evaluation doesn’t require general anesthesia, so you’ll be awake during the procedure.

Your healthcare provider and any specialist may run a variety of tests to determine the cause of your neck lump. A complete blood count (CBC) can be performed to evaluate your overall general health and provide insight into a number of possible conditions. For instance, your white blood cell (WBC) count may be high if you have an infection.

Other possible tests include:

• sinus X-rays
• chest X-ray, which allows your healthcare provider to see if there’s a problem in your lungs, trachea, or chest lymph nodes
• ultrasound of the neck, which is a noninvasive test that uses sound waves to evaluate neck lumps
• MRI of the head and neck, which makes detailed images of the structures in your head and neck

You can connect to an ENT specialist in your area using the Healthline FindCare tool.

The type of treatment for a neck lump depends on the underlying cause. Lumps caused by bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. Treatment options for cancer of the head and neck include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy.

Early detection is the key to successful treatment of the underlying cause of a neck lump. According to the American Academy of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery, most cancers of the head and neck can be cured with few side effects if they’re detected early.

Neck lumps can happen to anyone, and they’re not always signs of a serious health issue. However, if you have a neck lump, it’s important to see your healthcare provider to be sure. Like all illnesses, it’s better to get a diagnosis and treatment as early as possible, especially if your neck lump does turn out to be caused by something serious.

Read this article in Spanish

Neck cyst – symptoms, causes, treatment

This disease is treated by a neurologist.

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A neck cyst is a pathological formation with liquid or mushy contents. This is a congenital disease that is detected in the first days of life or at a later age as tissues grow. The article describes methods of treating pathology.

CMRT specialist tells

Kuchenkov A.V.

Orthopedist • Traumatologist • Surgeon • Phlebologist • Sports doctor • experience 24 years

Publication date: July 22, 2022

Verification date: February 20, 2023

All facts have been verified by a physician.

Contents of the article

Causes of a neck cyst

Symptoms of a cervical cyst

Types of a neck cyst

How to diagnose

The doctor asks the patient about complaints and examines the anamnestic information. Visual inspection and palpation help to detect specific signs of the disease. During the initial examination, it is important to distinguish the median or lateral cyst of the neck from the dermoid. Additional diagnostic procedures are required.

Ultrasonography (ultrasound). A special sensor transmits an image of soft tissues directly to the monitor, so that a specialist can study their structure in real time.

MRI is the most accurate visual examination method that allows you to assess the state of various anatomical structures. In CMRT clinics, specialists make a diagnosis based on the results of the scan.

Fistulography. After a preliminary injection of contrast, the doctor performs an x-ray examination of the formed cervical fistulas.

Magnetic resonance imaging. The method allows obtaining more detailed images of anatomical structures.

MRI is a state-of-the-art imaging technique that overcomes the shortcomings of other imaging modalities. Radiologists at the CMRT clinic conduct examinations and differential diagnostics based on the results of tomography.

Which doctor to contact

Patients with this disease are advised to make an appointment with a traumatologist. According to the indications, a referral is issued for examination by a surgeon or a doctor of another profile.

Consequences

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Moskaleva V.V.

Editor • Journalist • Experience 10 years

We publish only verified information

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Removal of a neck cyst – surgery free of charge under CHI

Median cyst of the neck is a benign neoplasm, which, nevertheless, needs to be removed. Whether it is possible to get rid of the cyst without surgical intervention, what will happen in the absence of treatment and how the operation goes, we found out from the maxillofacial surgeon.

Expert: Ara Sargisovich Khandzratsyan, Head of the Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, GKB named after. F.I. Inozemtseva, maxillofacial surgeon, Ph.D.

Where does a cyst appear on the neck?

This is a congenital pathology that begins in the womb. At 6-7 weeks of development, a gap is formed in the embryo between the root of the tongue and the thyroid gland. Within a few weeks, the hole should close, but sometimes it doesn’t. In the future, fluid accumulates in this “space” and a cyst forms.

Most neck cysts are discovered and removed during childhood, but sometimes the pathology goes unnoticed. Over the years, the cyst can grow and become visible even to the naked eye.

How do you know if you have a median neck cyst?

The person usually finds out about it when the cyst becomes inflamed. The following symptoms occur:

• – pain when swallowing
• – soreness in the region of the tongue
• – Foreign body sensation when swallowing
• – temperature increase
• – swelling in the anterior region of the neck

Another sign is cyst mobility. Place your fingers on the bump and swallow: if it moves, it’s probably a cyst. The fact is that it is connected with the hyoid bone and, when swallowed, moves with it.

Sometimes it is just a swelling in some place, in the middle of the neck or slightly on the side. There may be no pain, but the person is concerned about the aesthetic component: the cyst sticks out and forms a tubercle on the neck.

Removal of a median neck cyst

A cyst can be removed as soon as it is found, whether it is inflamed or not. There are no conservative treatment options, only surgery.

How long the cyst will last without inflammation is unknown. If inflammation joins, it will fester and you will have to intervene quickly: puncture, open, remove.

The most dangerous complication is suppuration of the cyst and the occurrence of non-healing fistulas. Before that, it is better not to bring it up and do the operation as soon as you find out about the pathology.

Surgery to remove a median cyst in the neck is called a cystectomy. It is performed by maxillofacial surgeons. Cystectomy is performed under “general” (endotracheal) anesthesia. An incision is made at the level of the hyoid bone, at the very top of the neck. So that in the future the scar is not visible, the surgeon cuts the skin along the crease of the neck. Further, the cyst and the hyoid bone are isolated with special devices. The latter is resected, and then the cyst is removed. You can watch the video of the operation in our YouTube video.

One day the patient is observed in the hospital, you can eat a few hours after the operation. The next day, the person is discharged home.

Is cystectomy performed free of charge under the CHI policy?

Yes, the operation is available under the CHI program. Moscow hospitals are ready to accept even residents of other regions.

Submit an application for hospitalization on our website, the curator will contact you and tell you what documents are required for hospitalization. You will be invited to one of the capital’s hospitals, where they can once again conduct the necessary studies (conversation, examination, CT scan, MRI) and, if the diagnosis is confirmed, they will perform the operation.

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

Sources:

[1] Clinical guidelines. Cysts of the maxillofacial region and neck. LLC “Society of specialists in the field of maxillofacial surgery”.