Finding a neck lump can feel worrying, but most neck lumps are caused by common, non-cancerous conditions. Swollen lymph nodes, often called glands, are a frequent cause. They can become enlarged while your body is fighting an infection, such as a cold, sore throat or dental problem.
A lump in the neck may also come from the thyroid gland, salivary glands, skin or tissues beneath the skin. Many causes are straightforward to treat or simply need monitoring.
However, it is important not to ignore a neck lump that does not go away. A lump lasting more than three weeks should be assessed, particularly if it is getting bigger, feels hard, does not move or is accompanied by changes such as persistent hoarseness or difficulty swallowing. A specialist review is a precaution to find the cause. It does not mean cancer is expected.
What causes a lump in the neck?
There are several possible neck lump causes. The location, texture, duration and accompanying symptoms can all help a clinician understand what may be responsible.
Swollen lymph nodes
Lymph nodes are small structures that support the immune system. They are found throughout the body, including the sides of the neck and beneath the jaw.
A swollen lymph node in the neck is commonly caused by an infection nearby. For example, you may notice tender glands during or shortly after a cold, tonsillitis, a sore throat, an ear infection or a dental infection. Swollen glands linked to infection often improve within one to two weeks.
These lumps can feel tender and may move slightly under the skin. Although they are often harmless, they should still be checked if they are growing, persist or are not clearly linked to a recent infection.
Cysts and skin lumps
Some lumps develop in or just below the skin. These include cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs, and lipomas, which are harmless fatty lumps. A cyst may feel smooth and rounded, while a lipoma is often soft and mobile.
Occasionally, a cyst can become inflamed or infected. This may cause redness, tenderness or warmth in the surrounding skin.
Thyroid problems
The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland at the lower front of the neck. It produces hormones that help regulate metabolism, energy and body temperature.
An enlarged thyroid gland or a thyroid nodule can cause a lump at the front or lower part of the neck. Many thyroid lumps are benign, but an unexplained thyroid lump should be assessed.
Read more about thyroid problems.
Salivary gland problems
The salivary glands make saliva. The largest sit beneath the jaw and in front of the ears. A blocked salivary duct, infection or swelling within a gland can cause a lump beneath the jaw or at the side of the face.
Some people notice that the swelling becomes more obvious around mealtimes, when the gland is producing more saliva.
Find out more about salivary gland problems.
Are neck lumps usually serious?
Most neck lumps are not serious. Lumps and swelling can occur for many common reasons, including infections, inflammation and harmless skin changes.
It is understandable to look for reassurance based on how a lump feels. However, it is not possible to reliably identify the cause by touch alone. A soft or tender lump can still need review if it persists, while a hard lump in the neck does not by itself mean cancer.
The most helpful approach is to monitor whether the lump settles and arrange an assessment if it lasts, changes or comes with other symptoms.
When should a neck lump be checked?
A neck lump should be assessed if it has been present for more than three weeks, even if you otherwise feel well. This is particularly important if you cannot link it to a recent infection or if it is not getting smaller.
Arrange a prompt GP or ENT assessment if you notice:
- A lump on the side of the neck that lasts more than three weeks
- A lump that is increasing in size
- A hard lump in the neck
- A lump that feels fixed in place rather than moving under the skin
- A painless lump that does not settle
- A lump above the collarbone
- Persistent hoarseness or a change in your voice
- Difficulty swallowing or a feeling that food is sticking
- Persistent throat pain or ear pain on one side
- Unexplained weight loss, night sweats, fever or ongoing tiredness
These features do not provide a diagnosis. They simply mean that it is important to check the cause without delay. NICE advises consideration of a suspected cancer pathway referral for a persistent, unexplained neck lump. This is a way of arranging timely assessment. It is not a diagnosis of cancer.
What does a cancerous neck lump feel like?
There is no single way that a cancerous neck lump feels. Some lumps linked with cancer may be painless, firm or hard, fixed in place, or continue to grow. However, these features also occur in non-cancerous conditions.
It is also possible for a lump caused by infection or inflammation to feel firm, especially in the early stages. For this reason, it is important not to self-diagnose based on appearance or texture alone.
A persistent and unexplained neck lump needs assessment so that a clinician can consider the full picture, including your age, medical history, smoking history, symptoms and examination findings.
How are neck lumps diagnosed?
An assessment usually begins with a discussion about when the lump appeared, whether it has changed and whether you have had recent infections or other symptoms.
The clinician will examine your neck, mouth, throat, ears and nose where appropriate. They may also feel other lymph node areas.
Further tests may include:
Ultrasound scan: This uses sound waves to create an image of the lump and nearby structures. It can help show whether a lump is solid, fluid-filled or related to a lymph node, thyroid or salivary gland.
Needle biopsy of neck lumps: A fine needle may be used to collect cells from the lump for laboratory analysis. This can help clarify the cause without needing a larger operation.
Blood tests: These may be useful where infection, thyroid function or another medical condition is suspected.
CT or MRI scan: These scans may be recommended where more detailed images are needed.
What happens if a neck lump needs treatment?
Treatment depends entirely on the cause.
A swollen lymph node caused by an infection may settle as the infection improves. A cyst may be monitored, treated if it becomes infected or removed if it is troublesome. Thyroid and salivary gland lumps need individual assessment and management.
If a lump needs to be removed, the reasons, possible benefits and risks should be discussed carefully with your specialist. Read more about neck lump removal.
When should you seek urgent help?
Most neck lumps do not require emergency care. However, seek urgent medical help if a swelling is rapidly increasing, you are finding it difficult to breathe or swallow, or you have severe pain with a high temperature and feel very unwell.
Call 999 or attend A&E if you develop severe breathing difficulty, swelling that is rapidly affecting your airway or symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
Getting a persistent neck lump checked
A new lump can be unsettling, but most causes are benign. The key is not to wait too long if it does not go away or if it changes.
Persistent neck lumps are worth checking. An ENT specialist can examine the area, arrange appropriate tests where needed and explain the findings clearly.
Get in touch to book a neck lump review.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a swollen lymph node?
A lymph node is part of the immune system. Lymph nodes, sometimes called glands, can swell when your body is fighting an infection. In the neck, this often happens with colds, sore throats, ear infections or dental problems.
- How long should a neck lump last before I see a doctor?
It is best to seek advice if a neck lump lasts more than three weeks. You should arrange an earlier assessment if it is growing, hard, fixed or associated with swallowing problems, persistent hoarseness or unexplained weight loss.
- Is a lump on the side of the neck usually a swollen gland?
It may be a swollen lymph node, particularly if you have recently had an infection. However, other causes are possible. If a lump on the side of the neck does not settle, it should be examined.
- Is a hard lump in the neck always serious?
No. A hard lump does not always indicate a serious condition, but it should be assessed, especially if it is persistent, growing or fixed in place.
- Can a neck lump be related to thyroid problems?
Yes. The thyroid gland is located at the lower front of the neck, and thyroid enlargement or nodules can cause a lump in this area. An unexplained thyroid lump should be assessed.
