What should you know about a lump towards the back of your neck?

The back of the neck contains lymph nodes, skin, connective tissue, and muscles. A recent scalp infection, irritated skin, sore throat, or ear problem may make a lymph node swell. A cyst or muscle-related knot may feel like a lump as well. A posterior neck lump can be a presentation of lymphoma or head and neck cancer, but that observation does not identify the cause. A clinician considers whether it is soft or firm, mobile or fixed, painful or painless, and whether it is changing.

Mark the location mentally or with a photograph for comparison, and record when it appeared. Look for scalp rash, bites, wounds, ear symptoms, sore throat, fever, or recent dental problems. Keep the skin clean and avoid squeezing or trying to drain the lump. Arrange a clinical examination if it remains, enlarges, feels hard or attached, or appears without a clear nearby cause. Bring a list of medicines and recent illnesses.

Urgent care is needed for breathing or swallowing difficulty, rapidly expanding swelling, severe illness, or swelling after significant injury. Contact a clinician promptly for persistent fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, a non-healing skin lesion, worsening pain, or new voice, hearing, or facial symptoms.

Ask whether the lump feels like a lymph node, cyst, muscle change, or another structure. Ask which nearby areas should be examined, whether imaging or a sample is appropriate, and what changes should lead you to return sooner.