Squishy lump on the back of the neck: what to know

A soft or mobile lump can be a lipoma, an inflamed cyst or a lymph node reacting to infection. Its position may also relate to muscles, the thyroid region or other neck structures. A lump that is hard, fixed, enlarging or present without settling needs clinical examination; that does not mean it is cancer. Head and neck cancer, lymphoma, thyroid cancer and cancer of unknown primary are among conditions clinicians may consider when examination or testing gives a reason. The texture you feel cannot identify the cause by itself.

Arrange a medical review if the lump persists, grows, returns or worries you. Note when it appeared, whether it changes with illness, and whether there is pain, redness, fever, night sweating, unexplained weight change, trouble swallowing, voice change or ear symptoms. The clinician may examine your mouth, throat, thyroid and lymph-node areas, then request ultrasound or another scan. A needle sample may be recommended when imaging or examination calls for cell testing. Do not squeeze, repeatedly massage or try to drain the lump. If a thyroid source is suspected, thyroid removal surgery is only one possible treatment and is not decided from touch alone.

Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing, inability to swallow saliva, rapidly increasing swelling, severe neck pain, confusion or new weakness. Contact a clinician promptly for a persistent enlarging lump, unexplained fever, drenching night sweats, ongoing hoarseness or unintentional weight loss. These features require assessment because they can signal infection, pressure on nearby structures or a condition needing specialist care.

Where does the lump seem to arise from? Does its mobility or texture suggest a particular cause? Do I need an ultrasound, scan or needle sample? Which changes should prompt urgent review? When should I expect the next step if the lump remains?