Small hard lump on side of neck

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You’ve found a lump on your neck. It’s likely no one is excited about this prospect but is it cause for immediate concern? Fortunately, the answer is usually “no,” but there are some occasions when growth demands more investigation. The trouble is, which is which?

There are certain signs associated with both harmless and potentially dangerous lumps, and today we discuss some of the differences. The safest course of action is to have any unusual growth examined by a physician at your most convenient Lakeshore Ear, Nose, and Throat Center. There’s no substitute for peace of mind.

Lumps that are likely harmless

If the lump appears as a result of a specific event, such as a sports injury or overuse, there’s a good chance it’s simply a soft tissue injury that’s easy to treat at home. The time-tested RICE method — rest, ice, compression, and elevation — will usually make quick work of such a bump.

Other types of benign lumps often share some similar characteristics. Usually, they’re soft and mobile. They will move and change shape when you touch them. They’re fairly shallow, residing just below the skin in the fat layer. They’ll sometimes grow bigger and become painful with activity, but they’ll also subside with rest.

Lumps requiring a closer look

Cancerous lumps are typically hard and often pain-free in the early stages, starting up deeper in the body. Lumps that are associated with growths or sores in your mouth are also worrisome, as is any lump accompanying throat problems, such as hoarseness or trouble swallowing. Generally, any lump that’s painless is more ominous than those accompanied by pain.

Lumps at the back of the neck

The location on the neck may also give you a clue about a lump’s underlying cause.

When you lump occurring around the hairline at the back of your neck, it’s likely connected to a hair follicle or sebaceous gland problem. Most of these lumps have pimple-like qualities. Ingrown hairs are commonly a problem at sites where you regularly remove hair, such as the nape of your neck, perhaps. These can also occur under the chin for men.

Boils are also common at the hairline, particularly if the area is subjected to lots of friction and sweat, such as from an item of athletic clothing. Larger bumps could be sebaceous cysts, which can grow to large sizes when left untreated.

Lumps along the sides of the neck may be enlarged lymph nodes, the most common source of neck lumps. Usually, these accompany nearby infections, from colds or throat infections most often, but the lymph nodes can be directly infected themselves or enlarged due to infections elsewhere in the body. While cancer can cause enlarged lymph nodes, this is much less common than lumps resulting from infection.

Treating the infection causing the enlarged lymph nodes will typically make the lumps disappear. Time and warm compresses can also help if your lump is due to having a cold.

Once again, if you’re worried about a lump, contact Lakeshore Ear, Nose and Throat Center. Our team of experts can rule out or treat any serious causes of unusual neck lumps.

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Neck Lumps - What it is

Lumps or swellings in the neck are common. Although the patient may discover the lump by himself or herself, very often the patient only becomes aware of the lump when another person points it out to them. Although most neck lumps are benign, they sometimes can be a presentation of a more serious underlying disease.

Neck Lumps - Symptoms

Neck Lumps - How to prevent?

Neck Lumps - Causes and Risk Factors

There are many causes of lumps/ swellings in the neck. Below are some of the more common causes.

1. Lymph Nodes
   There are many causes for lymph nodes in the neck to be enlarged, but one of the most common causes is due to infection. Lymph nodes may be enlarged due to acute infections such as upper respiratory tract infection, skin infections, ear infections. They can also be enlarged due to chronic infections such as tuberculosis.
   Sometimes an enlarged lymph node in the neck can also be the first sign of underlying cancer. Certain cancers (e.g. nasopharyngeal cancers, melanoma, oral cancers) tend to spread to lymph nodes and an enlarged lymph node can sometimes be the first sign of underlying cancer. Some cancers like lymphoma also first develop in lymph nodes.
   
2. Thyroid Nodules
   The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. It produces hormones that control and regulate the growth and rate of function of many systems in the body. The thyroid gland can sometimes develop solid or fluidfilled lumps.
   Although most of these lumps are not cancerous lumps, a small proportion of them will be cancerous. Some of these lumps may also cause problems when they grow larger and compress on other structures in the neck causing swallowing and breathing difficulties.
   Some of these lumps may also secrete too much thyroid hormone that may cause symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
   It is important to see a doctor to evaluate these lumps, as it is not easy to tell which lumps need treatment without doing proper investigations.
   
3. Skin and Subcutaneous Lumps
   Lumps in the neck can also arise from the skin or just below the skin. Most of these lumps are not cancerous and do not cause symptoms. However a small proportion of these lumps can occasionally turn out to be cancerous. Worrying signs include:
   • Change in size of a lump
   • Change in colour of surface of the lump
   • Bleeding
   • Other lumps appearing around the lump
   • Enlarged lymph nodes
   It is important to seek a medical opinion if you have any of these symptoms.


4. Salivary Gland Enlargement
   Salivary glands are organs in the neck that secrete saliva, which helps us digest our food. These glands can sometimes become enlarged for various reasons that include tumours, infection or secondary to an underlying medical condition.
   
5. Thyroglossal Cysts/Branchial Cysts
   These are lumps/cysts that occur during the body’s development. Although present at birth, they may only enlarge and be discovered later on in life. These lumps/ cysts should usually be removed surgically to prevent complications.
   

Neck Lumps - Diagnosis

What tests should I go for?

If you find a lump in a neck that you are worried about, the first step you take is to get it checked by a doctor. Depending on what he finds, he may order one or more of the following tests:

1. Imaging Tests
   Depending on the condition, the doctor may order one or more imaging tests to investigate the lump. These tests can include:
   
   • Ultrasound scans
   • X-rays
   • Computer Tomographic (CT) scans
   • Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans
   • Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans
   
   
2. Fine-needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC)
   Your doctor may advise you to undergo a biopsy to evaluate the lump if he feels it is needed.
   A fine-needle aspiration biopsy is a procedure where the doctor will pass a small needle through the lump to aspirate some cells for the lump for further testing. To improve accuracy, most FNAC are performed under ultrasound guidance.
   

Neck Lumps - Treatments

What kind of treatment will I undergo?

Depending on what the doctor finds, the doctor may advise you to have the lump removed surgically. In cases where the lump is cancerous, it may be necessary to remove the lymph nodes in the neck as cancer cells may have spread to them.

Some lumps in the neck can be safely observed. Your doctor may advise you to have a follow-up test at a later date to check if there are new changes.

Neck Lumps - Preparing for surgery

Neck Lumps - Post-surgery care

Neck Lumps - Other Information

What is pea sized lump on neck?

What is a hard lump on side of neck?

Should I be worried about a small lump on the side of my neck?

What does a cancerous neck lump feel like?