ear, nose, and throat disorders
Neck Lump
Causes of a Neck Lump
Most neck lumps are Enlarged lymph nodes due to infections . Sometimes, the lump is a congenital cyst, an enlarged salivary gland, or an enlarged thyroid gland. Themost common causesof enlarged lymph nodes among younger people include the following: Reaction to nearby infection (such as a cold or a throat infection) Direct bacterial infection of a lymph node Certain bodywide (systemic) infections One or more neck lymph nodes often enlarge in response to an upper respiratory infection, throat infection, or dental infection. In such cases,the nodes are soft and usually not tender. They typically return to normal shortly after the infection goes away. Sometimes bacteria can directly infect a lymph node (called Lymphadenitis ). These infection include Certain systemic infections typically cause several lymph nodes to enlarge, including some in the neck. The most common of these infections are Infectious Mononucleosis , Amuch less common but more serious causeof enlarged lymph nodes is Cancer Cancerous (malignant) neck lumps are more common among older people, but they may occur in younger people. The cancerous lump may be any of the following: A cancer of a nearby structure, such as the mouth or throat, that has grown into the neck A cancerous lymph node, which may occur when a cancer spreads (metastasizes) from a nearby structure or from more distant parts of the body A cancer that begins in the lymphatic system ( Overview of Lymphoma ). Cancerous lumps are not painful or tender to the touch and often are rock-hard. Cysts are hollow, fluid-filled masses that are usually harmless unless they become infected. Some cysts in the neck are present from birth because of abnormalities that occurred during fetal development. Sometimes cysts develop in the skin ( Cutaneous Cysts ), including in the skin of the neck. A salivary gland under the jaw ( Salivary gland swelling ) can enlarge if it is blocked by a stone or becomes infected or if cancer develops in it. The thyroid gland, which is in the middle of the neck just above the breastbone, can enlarge. The most common type of enlargement is Simple Nontoxic Goiter , which is noncancerous (benign). Thyroid cancer and thyroid inflammation (thyroiditis) are less common. 