What should you know about lumps in scalp and neck?

A scalp lump can arise in the skin, hair follicle, soft tissue or a nearby lymph node. A neck lump may involve lymph nodes, the thyroid, salivary glands or other structures. Infection, inflammation, cysts and benign growths are possible explanations. Cancer can also present as a persistent mass, including Head and Neck Cancer, Lymphoma or Thyroid Cancer. A lump does not identify its cause by touch alone.

A clinician will ask when it appeared, whether it is growing, whether it moves, and whether you have pain, fever, night sweats, voice change, swallowing difficulty, ear symptoms or unexplained weight change. Examination may be followed by imaging, blood tests or a tissue sample when needed.

Arrange a medical assessment for a new lump that persists, enlarges, feels hard or fixed, or returns after seeming to settle. Note its location and changes without repeatedly pressing it. Bring a list of medicines and recent infections, dental problems or skin conditions. The clinician may refer you to an ear, nose and throat specialist, endocrinology team or cancer service. Cancer of Unknown Primary may be discussed only when testing finds cancer but does not show where it began.

Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing or swallowing, rapidly increasing swelling, severe weakness, new facial drooping, confusion, or bleeding that will not stop. Contact a clinician promptly for persistent hoarseness, coughing blood, a lump with an ulcerated skin surface, or unexplained drenching sweats. These signs need assessment; they do not by themselves establish a cancer diagnosis.

Ask which structure the lump seems to involve, what features are reassuring or concerning, and whether imaging or biopsy is appropriate. Ask how soon results will be available, what changes should trigger a call, and whether Thyroid Removal Surgery is relevant if the thyroid is involved.