Does nasopharyngeal cancer cause neck lump?

The nasopharynx is the area behind the nose and above the throat. Cancer there can drain to lymph nodes in the neck, causing one or more firm swellings. A neck lump can also result from infection, inflammation, a cyst, or another non-cancerous cause, so its presence does not identify the cause on its own. Other features may include blocked hearing, nose or ear symptoms, headaches, or difficulty swallowing, but some people have few symptoms beyond the lump.

Arrange a medical assessment for a new, persistent, enlarging, hard, or fixed neck lump. Tell the clinician when it appeared, whether it changes with illness, and whether you have nose, ear, throat, or weight changes. Assessment may include an examination of the mouth, throat, nose, and neck, followed by imaging or a tissue sample if needed. Do not squeeze or repeatedly press the lump.

Seek urgent help if the lump is accompanied by difficulty breathing, inability to swallow fluids, rapidly increasing swelling, heavy bleeding, or severe weakness. Contact a clinician promptly for a lump that does not settle, recurrent nosebleeds, one-sided hearing loss, or persistent ear blockage.

Where is the lump located, and what causes are being considered? Do I need an ear, nose, and throat examination, imaging, or sampling? Which changes should prompt an earlier review?