My daughter has a lump on her neck

Neck lumps commonly reflect lymph nodes responding to a cold, sore throat, dental problem or skin infection. The clinician will consider its location, size, tenderness, movement, duration and whether it changes as an infection settles. Thyroid cancer can present as a thyroid-area lump, while lymphoma can affect lymph nodes; a lump alone does not identify either condition. Head and neck cancer and cancer of unknown primary are less common explanations in children, but persistent or concerning findings should not be self-diagnosed.

Arrange an appointment, especially if the lump has remained after an illness, is growing, feels firm or fixed, or is joined by other symptoms. Record when it appeared, recent infections, fever, dental symptoms, pain, swallowing changes and weight or energy changes. Do not squeeze or repeatedly measure it. The clinician may examine the mouth, throat, thyroid and nearby lymph-node groups and decide whether observation, blood tests or imaging is appropriate. Thyroid removal surgery is considered only for selected thyroid conditions after specialist assessment.

Seek urgent care for trouble breathing or swallowing, drooling, a rapidly enlarging swelling, a very unwell child, or a stiff neck with fever. Prompt review is also needed for night sweats, unexplained weight change, persistent fever, unusual bruising, marked tiredness, or a lump above the collarbone. These signs guide urgency; they do not prove cancer.

Where is the lump likely coming from? How long should we observe it after an infection? What changes mean we should return sooner, and would imaging help?