A lump at the back of the neck

Possible explanations include an inflamed cyst, a fatty lump or a lymph node reacting to infection or inflammation. Cancer can also present with a neck lump, but the feel of a lump alone cannot establish the cause.

The exact position helps distinguish a lump within the skin from one deeper in the neck. A clinician checks its size, firmness, mobility, tenderness and the overlying skin, then examines the scalp, ears, mouth, throat and other lymph-node areas when relevant.

Recent sore throat, dental problems, scalp irritation or skin infection may provide useful context. Other details include whether the lump is enlarging, whether it changes with swallowing and whether there is persistent hoarseness, swallowing difficulty, unexplained weight loss or drenching night sweats.

Arrange a medical review if the lump persists, enlarges, feels hard or fixed, returns after settling, or has no clear explanation. Earlier review is also sensible if you have previously received cancer treatment or have reduced immunity.

Do not squeeze, puncture or repeatedly press it. Note when you first found it and any associated symptoms. Depending on the examination, the clinician may suggest ultrasound, blood tests or sampling with a needle; these tests answer different questions about the tissue.

Seek urgent care if neck swelling makes breathing or swallowing difficult, is rapidly increasing, or occurs with severe weakness or fainting. Rapidly spreading redness, marked tenderness, fever and feeling very unwell can indicate an infection needing prompt treatment.

Ask for a timely appointment for persistent hoarseness, coughing blood, worsening swallowing problems, or a lump accompanied by unexplained weight loss or drenching night sweats.

You can ask which structure the lump appears to come from, whether imaging is needed, and what change should trigger a quicker review. If sampling is proposed, ask how it will be performed and how the result will guide the next step.