Lumps on Neck

It is a general tendency of neglecting any small physical alteration, thinking that it is no big deal and, will get cured on its own in a few days. A boil is one such physical alteration that goes misinterpreted as some temporary skin disorder. It is not until it grows into a bigger lump or starts hurting, that we pay attention to it. Following are a few reasons and causes for lumps on neck.

Skin Boil: A baby lump on neck is seen due to a hair follicle that has become infected. It may become itchy and painful. Pus may form in the boil which may cause inflammation.

Sebaceous Cysts: A swollen hair follicle or skin irritation may cause a cyst filled with yellowish goo. The sebaceous cyst is tender and painless. A small sebaceous cyst is harmless and cures on its own however, if its size increases, it may need advanced treatment.

Lipoma: This is a soft and movable benign tumor that is seen as a lump on neck under the skin. Most of the times it does not cause any pain and can be removed easily by cosmetic surgery.

Swollen Lymph Nodes: The reasons for swollen lymph nodes in neck region can be common cold, viral infection, bacterial infection, sore throat, strep throat, tuberculosis, epiglottitis, syphilis, toxoplasmosis, peritonsillar abscess, etc.

Goiter: The huge lump on neck caused by goiter is mostly due to iodine deficiency. Including iodized salt in the diet prevents goiter. Proper medications at an early stage can prevent big lump on neck. Goiter may cause the expansion of the lump on side of neck. Goiter lumps that are very large in size or are of malignant type have to be surgically removed.

Thyroid Problem: The thyroid gland is located in the throat region. So, any malfunctioning of the thyroid gland can cause lumps on neck. Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Graves' disease and other hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism diseases may cause hard lump on neck. Hypothyroidism is mainly caused due to under-production of the thyroid hormone whereas hyperthyroidism is due to over-production of thyroid hormone.

Thyroid Cancer: Thyroid cancer can be a reason for lump on the neck. The lumps are generally benign type. The few that are of malignant type may grow forming lumps on neck and have to be terminated surgically.

Tonsillitis: Swelling of the tonsils may lead to lump on neck. A person suffering from tonsillitis may experience pain during swallowing and coughing.

Above are some of the most common reasons for lumps on neck. The other diseases that may be responsible for lumps on neck are glandular fever (mononucleosis), branchial cleft cyst, lymphoma, carotid body tumor, otitis media, mumps, rubella, cystic hygroma, laryngocoele, oropharyngeal cancer, pharyngeal pouch, thyroglossal cyst, etc. Infections can also give rise to neck lumps under the skin or lump on the back of neck.

A growing lump on neck in children can be fatal and have to be diagnosed as soon as possible. A lump on neck that hurts can be dangerous and has to be immediately shown to the doctor. The reasons for lump on neck behind ear or lump on neck below ear can vary from simple things like allergies to disastrous conclusions like cancer. Any lump in neck that is larger than a pea-size is worrisome. If it disappears on its own, it may be harmless however, if it grows or hurts the best way out is to rush to your physician.