Painless lump at the back of the neck

A soft, mobile lump under the skin can be a fatty growth or cyst, while a lymph node may enlarge after scalp, ear, or throat inflammation. Location, depth, consistency, mobility, skin changes, and how long it has been present guide the examination. Some cancers, including lymphoma and head and neck cancers, can present as a persistent lump, but a painless lump does not by itself identify a cancer diagnosis.

Check the area gently rather than repeatedly prodding it. Note its approximate size, whether it moves beneath the skin, and any change in the skin or nearby symptoms. Do not attempt to puncture or remove it at home. Arrange a medical appointment for a new lump that persists, changes, or cannot be clearly explained. Depending on the findings, the clinician may recommend observation, ultrasound, or tissue sampling.

Seek prompt review for rapid growth, hardness, fixation, skin ulceration, persistent fever, drenching night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or several enlarged nodes. Get urgent help for breathing or swallowing difficulty, severe neck stiffness, or rapidly spreading swelling.

Ask what structure the lump seems to involve, whether the scalp and nearby lymph-node areas need checking, and whether imaging is useful. Ask how long to monitor it and which changes should bring you back sooner.