What should you know about non movable lump in neck?

A lump may be an enlarged lymph node, a thyroid nodule, a salivary-gland problem, an infection, a cyst or another mass. A lump that feels fixed to deeper tissue is one reason not to rely on touch alone. It does not establish a cancer diagnosis.

The clinician may examine the mouth, throat, thyroid and lymph-node areas, ask about smoking, infections, dental problems and voice or swallowing changes, and arrange ultrasound or other imaging. A needle sample may be needed. Sometimes the original site of a cancer is not immediately clear; this is called cancer of unknown primary.

Book an appointment for a neck lump that persists, grows, feels firm or is difficult to move. Note when it appeared, whether it changes with illness, and any changes in voice, swallowing, hearing or weight. Do not repeatedly press or massage it, because this can irritate the area without explaining the cause.

Take any previous scan or dental information to the appointment. Depending on the findings, referral may be to an ear, nose and throat team, an endocrinologist, a cancer specialist or a surgeon. Treatment follows the diagnosis rather than the texture of the lump alone.

Seek urgent help if the lump is accompanied by difficulty breathing, inability to swallow saliva, rapidly increasing swelling, coughing or vomiting blood, or sudden severe weakness. Contact a clinician promptly for a persistent lump with night sweats, unexplained weight loss, ongoing fever, hoarseness or ear pain.

Where does the lump seem to arise? Do I need an ultrasound, imaging or a needle sample? Which symptoms would make this urgent? Could the thyroid, lymph nodes or head and neck area be involved? If a thyroid operation is discussed, what tissue would be removed and why?