Neck lump

Alternative names:

lump in the neck

Definition:

A lump, bump, or swelling in the neck.

Considerations:

There are many causes of lumps in the neck. The most frequently seen lumps or swellings are enlarged lymph nodes, which can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, malignancy, and other rare causes.

Enlargement of the submandibular salivary glands (under the jaw) may result from infection or malignancy. Lumps in the muscles of the neck, almost always in the front of the neck and involving the sternocleidomastoid muscle, result from injury or torticollis. Lumps in the skin or just below the skin are often caused by cysts such as sebaceous cysts.

The thyroid gland may also produce a lump, multiple lumps, or swelling in the neck as a result of thyroid disease or malignancy. Most cancers of the thyroid gland are extremely slow growing and often curable by surgery even if they have been present for several years.

Common causes:

CERVICAL (NECK) LYMPH NODE ENLARGEMENT

• bacterial
  • strep throat
  • other types of bacterial pharyngitis (sore throat from a bacterial infection)
  • cat scratch disease
  • tuberculosis

• viral
  • infectious mononucleosis
  • HIV disease (AIDS)
  • rubella (German measles)
  • viral pharyngitis
  • herpes infections

• malignant
  • Hodgkin's disease
  • non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
  • leukemia
  • metastatic oral lesions (mouth cancer)
  • other malignancy

• thyroid
  • Grave's disease
  • goiter
  • carcinoma

• other
  • allergic reaction to a drug (medication)
  • food allergies
  • other allergic reactions

SALIVARY GLAND ENLARGEMENT

• infection
• mumps
• stone in salivary duct
• salivary gland tumor

Note: There may be other causes of a neck lump. This list is not all inclusive, and the causes are not presented in order of likelihood. The causes of this symptom can include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the causes may vary based on age and gender of the affected person, as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for a neck lump, occurring alone or in combination with other problems.