What should you know about two small lumps on neck?

Lymph nodes can enlarge while the body responds to a throat, dental, ear, or skin infection. They may feel tender and can settle as the underlying problem improves. A lump can also arise from the thyroid, a salivary gland, a cyst, or another tissue. A neck lump is a common presentation of several benign conditions; it can also be a presentation of head and neck cancer, lymphoma, thyroid cancer, or cancer of unknown primary. The lump itself does not identify the cause.

Note when you first noticed each lump, whether it is painful, whether it moves under the skin, and whether it changes in size. Check for a recent infection, dental problem, voice change, swallowing difficulty, fever, or unexplained weight change. Arrange a clinical examination if the lumps do not settle, recur, or concern you. A clinician may examine your mouth, throat, thyroid, and lymph nodes and decide whether imaging, blood tests, or a sample is appropriate.

Seek urgent care for trouble breathing, inability to swallow fluids, rapidly increasing swelling, or severe illness. Arrange prompt assessment for a hard or fixed lump, a lump above the collarbone, persistent hoarseness, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss. Do not squeeze or repeatedly press the lumps, because this can irritate the tissue and make changes harder to judge.

Could these be lymph nodes, thyroid tissue, a cyst, or another structure? What features on examination guide the next test? How long should I monitor them, and which change should prompt an earlier review? If a biopsy or scan is suggested, what will it clarify?