What causes a neck lump?

Lymph nodes can enlarge while the body responds to a throat, ear, dental, or skin infection. A lump can also arise from the thyroid, salivary glands, a cyst, or other non-cancerous tissue. A neck lump is a common presentation of several head and neck conditions, but its presence alone does not identify cancer.

Cancer-related causes include thyroid cancer, lymphoma, salivary gland cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, and other head and neck cancers. Sometimes abnormal cells are found in a neck lymph node before the original site is identified; this is called cancer of unknown primary.

A clinician will ask when the lump appeared, whether it is changing, and whether you have infection symptoms, voice change, swallowing difficulty, or dental problems. Examination may be followed by ultrasound, a scan, blood tests, or a needle sample, depending on the lump’s location and features.

Record its location and any change in size without repeatedly pressing it. Arrange an assessment for a new lump that persists, grows, feels firm or fixed, or occurs without a clear infection.

Seek prompt medical review for a persistent or enlarging neck lump, especially with unexplained weight change, night sweats, persistent hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or a sore throat that does not settle. Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing, rapidly increasing swelling, or inability to swallow fluids.

Where is the lump arising from: a lymph node, thyroid, salivary gland, or another structure? Do I need an ultrasound or needle sample? Could an infection explain it, and how will we check that it has settled? What changes should prompt an earlier review?