Lump on side of neck for years: what should you know?

A long-standing lump may be a lymph node that stayed enlarged, a cyst, a thyroid-related swelling or another tissue growth. The time it has been present does not identify the cause. Head and neck cancer, lymphoma and thyroid cancer can also present with a neck lump, but a lump does not by itself establish any of these conditions.

Arrange a non-urgent appointment with a primary care clinician or ear, nose and throat specialist. Note when you first noticed it, whether its size or firmness has changed, and whether it moves under the skin. The clinician may examine your mouth, throat, thyroid and lymph-node areas. Depending on the findings, assessment can include an ultrasound, other imaging or a needle sample.

Seek prompt medical care if the lump is enlarging, becomes hard or fixed, or is joined by trouble swallowing, a persistent voice change, unexplained weight loss, night sweats or breathing difficulty. Breathing difficulty or rapidly increasing swelling needs urgent attention.

What features of this lump make imaging useful?

Would an ultrasound or needle sample help identify its tissue?