What should you know about a pus lump on the neck?

A boil, infected cyst, inflamed hair follicle or skin abscess can produce pus, tenderness, warmth and redness. Swollen lymph nodes may appear during infections of the throat, teeth, ear or skin; a node itself does not usually produce pus unless infection is involved. A neck lump can also arise from the thyroid or another deeper structure. Head and neck cancer, lymphoma and cancer of unknown primary can present with a persistent neck mass, but pus alone cannot identify the cause. The position, mobility, duration and changes in size help a clinician decide whether examination, imaging or sampling is needed.

Do not squeeze, puncture or massage the lump. Keep any draining skin clean and covered, and wash your hands after touching it. Arrange a clinical review if the lump lasts, returns, feels deep or firm, or is not settling as the infection improves. Mention sore throat, dental pain, voice change, swallowing difficulty, weight change or night sweating. If the lump is near the thyroid, the clinician may assess the gland and discuss whether thyroid imaging or further testing is appropriate. Avoid taking leftover antibiotics.

Get urgent help for difficulty breathing or swallowing, drooling, rapidly increasing swelling, severe neck pain, spreading redness, high temperature, confusion or marked weakness. These signs can indicate an infection needing prompt treatment or pressure on the airway. Seek assessment for any neck lump that persists, even if it is not painful or the skin looks normal, because deeper causes may have few surface changes.

Is the lump in the skin, a lymph node or the thyroid area? What findings suggest infection? Does it need imaging or a sample? How long should it take to improve, and what changes should prompt an earlier review?