What Are the Common Causes of a Neck Lump?

A neck lump is an abnormal swelling, bump, or mass that can be felt or seen in the neck area. These lumps can vary significantly in size, shape, and texture. They can appear suddenly or develop gradually over time. Neck lumps can be painless or painful, depending on their cause.

Painful lumps may result from infections or swollen lymph nodes, while painless lumps are more commonly linked to conditions like thyroid nodules, benign cysts, or some types of cancer. Regardless of whether the lump causes discomfort, it is important to have it evaluated to determine the underlying cause and ensure appropriate treatment.

Common Causes of Neck Lump

A lump in the neck can stem from a variety of factors, including:

Swollen Lymph Nodes

Swollen lymph nodes are one of the most common causes of neck lumps. When the body is fighting an infection or dealing with an inflammation, lymph nodes in the affected area can swell and become tender. While usually benign and temporary, persistently swollen nodes may indicate a more serious underlying condition.

Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid nodules are lumps or growths within the thyroid gland, which is located at the base of the neck. They are very common, and most nodules are benign or asymptomatic. However, a small proportion of them can be cancerous or may cause problems when they grow larger and compress other structures in the neck.

Infections

Viral and bacterial infections often lead to neck lumps.

• Viral Infection: Common viral infections like cold, flu, mononucleosis (mono), measles, and mumps can cause temporary swelling of lymph nodes in the neck.
• Bacterial Infection: Bacterial infections, such as strep throat or infected tonsils, can lead to swollen and often painful lymph nodes in the neck region.

Cysts

Cysts are fluid-filled sacs that can develop under the skin or within various tissues under the neck. Some types of cysts that can cause neck lumps include:

• Branchial Cleft Cysts: These cysts form from remnants of tissues that did not fully disappear during foetal development. They often appear as a painless lump on the side of the neck and can sometimes become infected.
• Thyroglossal Duct Cysts: These are congenital cysts that form from remnants of the thyroglossal duct, a structure involved in the thyroid gland’s development during embryonic life. They are usually found in the midline of the neck, often just below the U-shaped bone in the upper neck called the hyoid bone.
• Epidermoid Cysts: These cysts are small, benign lumps that form from trapped skin cells. They are usually slow-growing and painless.
• Sebaceous Cysts: Like epidermoid cysts, sebaceous cysts also form under the skin but arise from blocked sebaceous glands. They are filled with sebum, an oily substance.

Benign Tumours

Benign tumours are non-cancerous growths that can occur in various tissues of the neck and present as noticeable lumps. Several types of benign tumours can cause neck lumps, including:

• Lipomas: These are the most common type of benign soft tissue tumours. Lipomas in the neck are very common and usually harmless.
• Fibromas: These are firm, benign tumours composed of fibrous connective tissue. They grow slowly in the skin, muscles, or deeper tissues of the neck.
• Hemangiomas: These are benign tumours made up of blood vessels. They may appear as reddish or bluish lumps in the neck and are typically soft to the touch.

Malignant Tumours

Some neck lumps are due to cancerous growths that can invade surrounding tissues and spread to other parts of the body. Some growths that can cause neck lumps include:

• Thyroid Cancer: Abnormal growths within the thyroid gland can enlarge the gland or create painless lumps. This malignant tumour is often discovered during a routine exam.
• Lymphoma: This refers to cancer of the lymphatic system, which causes a tumour that may first appear as a painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck.
• Metastatic Cancer: This refers to cancer that has spread from another part of the body to the neck area. It usually spreads in the lymph nodes but may also affect other tissues in the neck.

Trauma or Injury

Injury to the neck due to an accident or a forceful impact can cause the formation of a lump. In such cases, the lump usually results from tissue damage, swelling, or internal bleeding, rather than a growth or infection. Common types of neck injuries include neck strain, broken neck, and whiplash.

When to See a Doctor

If the lump in your neck has not gone away in a few days, consult a doctor as soon as possible. Immediate medical attention is needed, especially if the lump suddenly increases in size and changes in texture. See a doctor promptly also if you experience any of these accompanying symptoms:

• Fever or night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing
• Hoarseness or voice changes
• Persistent sore throat or earache
• Fatigue or general weakness

While many neck lumps are benign, some may be malignant or serious enough to interfere with daily activities. Early evaluation by a thyroid surgeon can help identify the cause and determine the most appropriate treatment. With years of experience in diagnosing and treating neck lumps in Singapore, our specialist will recommend the most suitable care for your condition. Call us to schedule a consultation today.

Our Thyroid Surgeon

Dr Ranjiv Sivanandan
MBBS, FRCSEd, MMEd (Surgery), FAMS
American Head & Neck Society (Stanford University, USA)

Dr Ranjiv Sivanandan is a Specialist Board Certified General Surgeon who has devoted his career to the practice and development of thyroid and head & neck surgery, specialising in the treatment of various conditions, including neck lumps. He pioneered robotic surgery in the region, performing the first robotic thyroidectomy in Singapore in 2010 and the first robotic neck dissection in Southeast Asia in 2011.