What are the common causes of small cysts on the neck. How can you identify different types of neck lumps. What treatment options are available for neck cysts and lumps. When should you seek medical attention for a neck lump.

Understanding Small Cysts and Lumps on the Neck

Small cysts and lumps on the neck are relatively common occurrences that can arise from various causes. While most are benign and harmless, it’s important to understand their potential origins and when medical attention may be necessary.

What exactly are neck cysts?

Neck cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop under the skin or in deeper tissues of the neck. They can vary in size and may be soft or firm to the touch. Common types include epidermoid cysts, sebaceous cysts, and thyroglossal duct cysts.

How prevalent are neck lumps and cysts?

Neck lumps and cysts are quite common, affecting people of all ages. While exact prevalence rates vary depending on the specific type, studies suggest that up to 7% of the population may develop a neck mass at some point in their lives.

Common Causes of Small Cysts on the Neck

There are several potential causes for small cysts and lumps on the neck. Understanding these can help in identifying the nature of the lump and determining whether medical intervention is necessary.

Sebaceous Cysts

Sebaceous cysts are among the most common types of neck cysts. They form when a sebaceous gland becomes blocked or damaged. These cysts are typically:

• Small and soft to the touch
• Slow-growing
• Painless unless infected
• Filled with a cheese-like, oily substance

Epidermoid Cysts

Epidermoid cysts are similar to sebaceous cysts but originate from the epidermis rather than sebaceous glands. They are characterized by:

• A small, round appearance
• A central pore or punctum
• Slow growth over time
• Potential for infection if the cyst ruptures

Lymph Node Swelling

Enlarged lymph nodes can sometimes be mistaken for cysts. They may be caused by:

• Viral or bacterial infections
• Allergic reactions
• In rare cases, certain types of cancer

Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid nodules are growths that form within the thyroid gland. While most are benign, they can sometimes indicate thyroid disease or, rarely, thyroid cancer.

Identifying Different Types of Neck Lumps

Distinguishing between different types of neck lumps can be challenging without medical expertise. However, certain characteristics can provide clues about their nature.

How can you differentiate between benign and potentially malignant lumps?

While a definitive diagnosis requires medical evaluation, some general guidelines include:

• Benign lumps are often mobile, soft, and slow-growing
• Potentially malignant lumps may be hard, fixed in place, and grow rapidly
• Painful lumps are more likely to be caused by infection or inflammation
• Lumps that persist for more than two weeks warrant medical attention

Symptoms Associated with Neck Cysts and Lumps

While many neck cysts and lumps are asymptomatic, some may present with accompanying symptoms that can provide insight into their cause and severity.

What symptoms might accompany a neck cyst or lump?

Depending on the underlying cause, associated symptoms may include:

• Pain or tenderness in the affected area
• Redness or warmth of the skin over the lump
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing (in cases of large or deep-seated lumps)
• Fever or general malaise (if infection is present)
• Changes in voice or hoarseness (particularly with thyroid nodules)

Diagnostic Approaches for Neck Cysts and Lumps

Proper diagnosis of neck cysts and lumps is crucial for determining appropriate treatment. Healthcare providers employ various diagnostic tools and techniques to identify the nature of these growths.

What diagnostic methods do doctors use to evaluate neck lumps?

Common diagnostic approaches include:

1. Physical examination and medical history review
2. Ultrasound imaging to visualize the structure and composition of the lump
3. CT or MRI scans for more detailed imaging, especially of deeper tissues
4. Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy to sample cells from the lump
5. Blood tests to check for signs of infection or thyroid dysfunction

Treatment Options for Neck Cysts and Lumps

Treatment for neck cysts and lumps varies depending on their cause, size, and associated symptoms. Many benign cysts may not require treatment unless they cause discomfort or cosmetic concerns.

What are the common treatment approaches for neck cysts?

Treatment options may include:

• Watchful waiting for small, asymptomatic cysts
• Antibiotics for infected cysts
• Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
• Surgical excision for persistent or large cysts
• Radiofrequency ablation for certain types of thyroid nodules

Is surgery always necessary for neck cysts?

No, surgery is not always required for neck cysts. Many small, benign cysts can be managed conservatively or with minimally invasive treatments. However, surgery may be recommended for cysts that are:

• Large or rapidly growing
• Causing significant discomfort or functional impairment
• Recurrently infected
• Suspected to be malignant

When to Seek Medical Attention for Neck Lumps

While many neck lumps are benign, certain signs and symptoms warrant prompt medical evaluation.

Under what circumstances should you consult a healthcare provider about a neck lump?

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• A lump that persists for more than two weeks
• Rapid growth of the lump
• Pain, redness, or warmth in the affected area
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Unexplained weight loss or night sweats
• A history of cancer or radiation exposure to the head and neck area

Prevention and Self-Care for Neck Cysts

While not all neck cysts can be prevented, certain measures can help reduce the risk of developing them or manage existing ones effectively.

How can you prevent or manage neck cysts at home?

Consider the following self-care strategies:

• Maintain good hygiene to prevent skin infections
• Avoid picking or squeezing cysts, which can lead to infection
• Apply warm compresses to alleviate discomfort and promote drainage
• Use over-the-counter pain relievers if needed
• Protect the neck area from trauma or excessive friction

By understanding the various causes, symptoms, and treatment options for small cysts and lumps on the neck, individuals can better navigate their health concerns and seek appropriate care when necessary. Remember that while most neck lumps are benign, any persistent or concerning growth should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to ensure proper diagnosis and management.

Neck lump: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

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A neck lump is any lump, bump, or swelling in the neck.

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.

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 spasm of the neck muscles (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.

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.

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
• Mumps
• Salivary gland tumor
• Stone in salivary duct

See your provider to have the cause of the neck lump diagnosed and treated.

Contact your provider if you have an abnormal neck swelling or lumps in your neck.

The 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?
• Do you have difficulty breathing?

If you are diagnosed with a goiter (thyroid gland enlargement), 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 or another abnormality in the neck:

• Ultrasound scan of the thyroid and neck tissues
• CT scan of the head or neck
• Radioactive thyroid scan
• Thyroid biopsy
• Lymph node biopsy

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.

Lump in the neck

• Lymphatic system
• Neck lump

Bell EB, Nugent A, El-Deiry MW. Differential diagnosis of neck masses. In: Flint PW, Francis HW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 113.

Matlock AG, Pfaff JA. Otolaryngology. In: Walls RM. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 58.

Updated by: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Sebaceous Cyst and 6 Other Causes

A bump on the back of your neck can result from a cyst, ingrown hair, or another health condition. If it grows or occurs with other symptoms, you may want to have a doctor examine it.

It can be alarming to find a new bump anywhere on your body. While some lumps can be a cause for concern, a lump on the back of the neck or along your hairline usually isn’t anything serious. It could be anything from an ingrown hair to a swollen lymph node.

Keep reading to learn more about the possible causes and how to recognize them.

Sebaceous cysts are a common type of cyst that forms in blocked or damaged sebaceous glands. These glands secrete sebum, which is an oily substance that lubricates your skin and hair.

Sebaceous cysts feel like small, soft bumps. They’re usually found on your face, neck, or torso.

In most cases, your doctor can diagnose a sebaceous cyst just by looking at it. However, they may do some additional testing, such as a skin biopsy, if the bump:

• has a diameter larger than 5 centimeters (cm)
• shows signs of infection, such as redness, pain, or pus
• grows back quickly after being removed

While sebaceous cysts are harmless, some people prefer to remove them for cosmetic reasons. If you want to remove a sebaceous cyst, talk to your doctor. They can remove it with a minor surgical procedure.

Ingrown hair

An ingrown hair is a strand of hair that either grows back into itself and reenters your skin or grows under your skin due to a clogged hair follicle. This results in a pimple-like bump around the hair. They’re more common in areas where you regularly remove hair by waxing, shaving, or other methods.

If have short hair, you might get ingrown hairs on the back of your neck, especially along the bottom of your hairline. You might have just one or a cluster of several.

Most ingrown hairs resolve on their own without any treatment. To avoid developing an infection, try not to squeeze or pick at an ingrown hair.

Boil

Boils (also called furuncles) are pus-filled bumps that form under the skin due to bacteria in your hair follicles. While you can have a boil anywhere, they’re common in hairy areas that are exposed to a lot of sweat and friction. This makes the back of your neck particularly vulnerable to boils.

Symptoms of a boil include:

• a painful, pea-sized red lump
• redness and swelling
• an increase in size over a few days
• a white or yellow tip that may drain pus
• tenderness and warmth

For small boils, you can apply a warm compress to help the boil drain. Larger boils, which can grow to be the size of a golf ball, usually need to be drained by a doctor. In some cases, your doctor might also prescribe antibiotics for more severe infections.

Lipoma

A lipoma is a noncancerous, fatty lump that grows slowly, usually between your skin and muscle. You might have one or several. Lipomas are more common in middle-aged people and usually don’t cause any health problems.

While they can grow anywhere, they tend to appear on your neck, shoulders, arms, back, abdomen, or thighs. Lipomas are usually:

• soft and doughy
• easily movable under the skin
• smaller than 5 cm in diameter, though they can grow bigger
• painful if they contain blood vessels or are large enough to put pressure on a nearby nerve

Lipomas don’t require treatment unless they start to cause pain. If you think you might have a lipoma, your doctor may want to do a quick biopsy to make sure it isn’t something else. They can also help you remove a lipoma, usually either with surgery or liposuction.

Acne keloidalis nuchae

Acne keloidalis nuchae is an inflammation of the hair follicle that causes bumps on the back of the neck, along the hairline. It begins with small, itchy bumps that eventually lead to scarring and hair loss. Over time, they turn into keloids, which are large, raised bands of scarring.

The condition is more common in dark-skinned males, particularly those with thick, curly hair. Experts aren’t sure what causes it, but it may be related to:

• close shaving
• constant irritation from sports equipment or shirt collars
• certain medications
• chronic infections
• genetic mutations

Acne keloidalis nuchae is hard to treat. Start by avoiding close shaves and making sure your shirt collar doesn’t run against the back your neck. You can also try washing the area with tar soap.

If keeping the area clean and free of friction doesn’t help, talk to your doctor. They might prescribe antibiotics or corticosteroids. In addition, laser hair removal or surgery can sometimes help.

Swollen posterior cervical lymph node

Your posterior cervical lymph nodes are located near the back of your neck. Several things can cause a swollen posterior cervical lymph node, but the most common cause is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu.

Some other common causes of swollen lymph nodes include:

• strep throat
• ear infections
• abscessed tooth
• skin wounds or infections

Less common causes of swollen lymph nodes include:

• HIV
• lupus
• cancer

Depending on the underlying cause, you might also notice additional symptoms, such as:

• pain and tenderness in the lymph node
• runny nose, sore throat, and other symptoms of an upper respiratory infection
• fever
• chills
• night sweats
• multiple swollen lymph nodes throughout your body

If your swollen lymph nodes are due to an underlying infection, they should return to their usual size once the infection clears up. Follow up with your doctor if you can’t determine the cause or notice that the swollen node:

• doesn’t go away after a few weeks
• continues to grow
• is hard and not movable
• is accompanied by a fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss

Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in the lymphocytes, which are your white blood cells. Swollen lymph nodes are often the first sign of lymphoma. However, according to the American Cancer Society, swollen lymph nodes are much more likely to be a sign of infection than of lymphoma.

Other symptoms of lymphoma include:

• night sweats
• fever
• fatigue
• skin itching
• rash
• unexplained weight loss
• pain when drinking alcohol
• bone pain

Most of the time, a lump on the back of the neck is harmless. However, it’s important to follow up with your doctor right away if you notice:

• symptoms of severe infection, such as an ongoing fever
• a bump that doesn’t go away after two to four weeks
• a lump that’s hard and not moveable
• a lump that grows or changes rapidly
• a lump that’s accompanied by night sweats or unintended weight loss

A lump on the back of the neck is usually not serious, and most go away without any treatment. If you’re concerned or have other symptoms, talk to your doctor.

Any lump that remains longer than a couple of weeks should be examined by your doctor.

Perform an operation on the neck in the network of clinics Polyclinika.ru, surgery for a neck cyst in Moscow

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symptoms, causes and methods of treatment of the median and lateral cyst of the neck in Moscow at the Center for Surgery “SM-Clinic”

general information

Classification

Symptoms

Diagnostics

Operations

Expert opinion of a doctor

Rehabilitation

Question answer

General information

A neck cyst is a formation in the form of a cavity, delimited from the surrounding tissues, inside which there is a liquid or mushy content. Pathology refers to benign tumors and is formed in the early stages of embryonic development. In itself, education does not pose a danger to humans, but if the contents become infected, it may suppurate. Also, problems arise when the cyst squeezes nearby vessels and nerves.

Classification of neck cysts

Symptoms

Diagnostics

Detection of the cyst is not difficult because the mass is usually visible to the naked eye. The main task of the doctor is to determine the nature of the structure, since enlarged lymph nodes, malignant tumors, and abscesses may also look similar. To do this, the patient is examined and questioned, palpation of the formation, as well as laboratory and instrumental diagnostics:

• complete blood count with leukocyte formula;
• ultrasound;
• puncture of education with subsequent examination of the contents under a microscope.

If inflammation or compression of the neck structures is suspected, the list of examinations can be extended. Thus, the presence of a fistula allows its probing and the introduction of a contrast agent for subsequent radiography.

Surgery for cysts of the neck

The only way to treat lateral and median cysts of the neck is surgery. During the intervention, the doctor excised the structure along with the capsule. The incision can be located both in the oral cavity and on the skin of the neck. If we are talking about a median cyst, a part of the hyoid bone is excised at the same time, since a specific cord passes there.

In case of festering cysts, the intervention is carried out in two stages. First, the abscess cavity is opened and drained, regular washings are carried out until the inflammatory process subsides completely. After 2-3 months, a repeated intervention is performed aimed at excising the formation.

Removal of fistulas formed from neck cysts requires excision not only of the formation itself, but also of fistulous passages, which may be several.

Doctor’s Expert Opinion

Rehabilitation

In most cases, after removal of the mass, the patient remains in the hospital until the next day, after which he is discharged with detailed recommendations. As a rule, drugs are prescribed: painkillers, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial agents. Until the healing of the postoperative wound, physical activity, leaning forward, lifting weights are prohibited. It is also necessary to refrain from visiting baths and saunas, swimming in open or public reservoirs, sunbathing in the sun or in a solarium. The rehabilitation period depends on the size and location of the formation, as well as the presence or absence of inflammatory complications.

Question-answer

The exact causes of the development of lateral and median neck cysts are currently unknown. Formations occur against the background of small failures in the formation of tissues during the intrauterine development of the embryo.