Lump on the back of the head near the neck: what should you know?

The area contains lymph nodes, skin and soft tissue, so possibilities include a node reacting to scalp or ear irritation, a skin cyst, a fatty lump or a less common growth. Head and neck cancer and lymphoma can present with a neck lump, while thyroid cancer usually causes swelling lower in the neck; examination is needed to distinguish these patterns.

Check whether the skin is red, whether the lump moves, and whether its size changes. Do not puncture it. Arrange a clinical review if it remains, enlarges or becomes firm. A clinician may inspect the scalp, ears, mouth and neck and may request ultrasound or a needle sample when the examination does not explain it.

Seek urgent care for sudden rapidly increasing swelling, severe pain with fever, pus, neurological symptoms, or difficulty breathing or swallowing. Prompt review is also sensible for a firm fixed lump, persistent voice change or unexplained weight loss.

Could the scalp, ear or skin explain this location?

What changes would make repeat examination or sampling necessary?