Neck lump; Lump in the neck
What is neck swelling?
The lump on the neck may be a noticeable bulge or swelling, that appears on the neck. This symptom can be caused by various reasons., from infections to tumors. It can have different sizes and textures depending on its cause.. Neck bumps may be temporary and disappear on their own., or may require medical intervention to treat them.
There are many causes of lumps in the neck. The most common lumps or tumors are enlarged lymph nodes. . They can be caused by bacterial or viral infections., cancer ( malignant formations ) or other rare reasons.
Swollen salivary glands under the jaw can be caused by infection or cancer. Seals in the neck muscles are caused by injury or spasm of the neck muscles ( Kryvosheya ). These bumps are often found in the front of the neck.. Lumps on or just under the skin are often caused by cysts , such as sebaceous cysts .
The thyroid gland may also cause swelling or the formation of one or more nodes.. It may be due to thyroid disease or cancer. Most thyroid cancers grow very slowly.. They are often treated with surgery, even if they have been present for several years.
All neck lumps in children and adults should be checked by a doctor immediately.. In children, most of the growths on the neck are caused by infections., that are treatable. Treatment should start quickly, to prevent complications or the spread of infection.
As adults age, the likelihood of, that the tumor is cancer, increases. This is especially true for people, who smoke or drink a lot of alcohol. Most neoplasms in adults are not cancer..
Causes of bumps on the neck
Bumps on the neck can be caused by various reasons.. Some of the common reasons include:
- Lymphadenopathy: swollen lymph nodes due to inflammation, infections or other diseases
- Cysts: cavity formation, filled with liquid, which may arise from various tissues or glands
- Tumors: neoplasms, as benign, and malignant, that may appear on the neck
- Abscess: purulent accumulation, resulting from infection
- Injuries: injuries, dislocations or fractures, which can lead to the formation of bumps on the neck
- Infection: viral or bacterial infections, which can cause inflammation of the lymph nodes and the formation of bumps in the neck
Neck lump symptoms
Symptoms, accompanying a bump on the neck, may vary depending on the cause.. But, some common symptoms may include:
- Bulge or swelling in the neck
- Soreness or pressure in the area of the bump
- Change in bud size or texture over time
- Redness or tingling around the bump
- The lymph nodes, enlarged and painful to the touch
- General symptoms, such as fever, fatigue or weight loss (depending on the cause)
When to see a doctor
In most cases, a bump on the neck is not an extremely dangerous symptom.. But, you should consult a doctor in the following cases:
- If the bump on the neck does not disappear or increases in size over time
- If the bump on the neck is accompanied by soreness, redness or other unusual symptoms
- If a lump in the neck causes discomfort or restricts movement or function of the neck
- If a bump on the neck is accompanied by general symptoms, such as fever, fatigue or weight loss
- If you are concerned about having a bump on your neck and want professional advice
Questions, which the doctor may ask
When you see a doctor with a lump on your neck, your doctor may ask you the following questions:
- When did you first notice the bump on your neck??
- Has the bump grown over time or has it stayed the same size??
- Do you have other symptoms, bump related, such as pain, redness, itching or discomfort?
- Have you had any injuries or incidents, that could cause the bumps to appear?
- Have you had problems with your neck or lymph nodes in the past?
- Do you have any medical conditions or diseases, which may be associated with the appearance of a bump?
- Are you taking any medications or undergoing any treatment, that can affect the bump?
- Do you have a family history of tumors or other related diseases?
- What events or factors exacerbate symptoms or make the bump worse??
- Do you have any concerns or concerns about a lump on your neck?
Answering these questions will help your doctor understand your situation better., conduct the necessary research and determine the diagnosis.
Diagnosis of lumps on the neck
Diagnosis of a bump on the neck may include the following procedures:
- Physical examination: the doctor will examine the bumps on the neck, estimate its size, form, texture and related symptoms
- Medical history: the doctor will ask you questions about the appearance and changes of the lump, accompanying symptoms, medical and family history
- Laboratory tests: blood tests or biopsy tests may be ordered to determine the cause of the bump on the neck
- Instrumental studies: include ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), MRIs (MRT) or x-ray for more details about the lump and surrounding tissues
- Biopsy: in case of suspected tumor, may require tissue sampling for further analysis
Neck lump treatment
Treatment for a bump on the neck depends on its cause.. Some common treatments include:
- Prescribing medications: in case of infection or inflammation, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs
- Surgical intervention: under certain conditions, such as cysts or tumors, may require surgical removal of the lump
- Abscess drainage: if the lump is caused by an abscess, the doctor may perform a drainage procedure to remove the pus
- Physiotherapy: for some states, physiotherapy may be helpful in improving neck function and relieving discomfort
- Radiation therapy or chemotherapy: in case of malignant tumors, your doctor may prescribe radiation therapy or chemotherapy to kill cancer cells
Home Treatment
Some neck bumps can be treated at home with the following steps:
- Application of cold: applying a cold compress to the bump can help reduce swelling and relieve discomfort
- Peace and rest: avoid activities, which may aggravate symptoms or increase the size of the bump
- Applying compressions: in case of injury, you can apply a compression bandage, to reduce swelling and support the neck
- Taking anti-inflammatory drugs: taking medications, such as ibuprofen or paracetamol, may help reduce pain and inflammation
- Following the doctor's recommendations: follow your doctor's instructions for caring for your bump and take the recommended medications
Prevention of bumps on the neck
A few tips to prevent bumps on the neck:
- Avoid traumatic neck injuries
- Maintain good hygiene and avoid infections, which can lead to inflammation of the lymph nodes
- Follow vaccination recommendations, to prevent infectious diseases
- If you have an increased risk of developing tumors, See your doctor for regular screening and monitoring
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle, including proper nutrition and moderate physical activity, to strengthen the immune system
- Take precautions when exposed to pathogens, such as frequent hand washing and avoiding close contact with sick people
Used sources and literature
Bell EB, Nugent A, El-Dairy MW. Differential diagnosis of neck masses. In: Flint PW, Francis HW, Haughey BH, et al, eds. Cummings Otolaryngology: Head & Neck Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 113.
Matlock AG, Pfaff JA. Otolaryngology. In: Walls RM. Rosen’s Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 58.