A neck lump is any lump, bump, or swelling in the neck.

There are many causes of lumps in the neck. The most frequently seen lumps or swellings are enlarged lymph nodes. These can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, cancer (malignancy), or other rare causes.

Enlargement of the salivary glands under the jaw may be caused by infection or cancer. Lumps in the muscles of the neck -- almost always in the front of the neck -- are caused by injury or torticollis. Lumps in the skin or just below the skin are often caused by cysts, including sebaceous cysts.

The thyroid gland may also produce a lump, multiple lumps, or swelling in the neck as a result of thyroid disease or cancer. Most cancers of the thyroid gland are extremely slow-growing and often curable by surgery, even if they have been present for several years.

All neck lumps in children and adults should be checked immediately. In children, most neck lumps are caused by treatable infections. However, treatment should start quickly to prevent complications or the spread of infection.

As adults age, the likelihood of the lump being a cancer increases, particularly for people who smoke or drink significant amounts of alcohol. Fortunately, most lumps in adults are not cancers.

SWOLLEN LYMPH NODES IN THE NECK

• Bacterial
  • Atypical mycobacterium (a type of bacteria)
  • Bacterial pharyngitis
  • Cat scratch disease
  • Peritonsillar abscess
  • Strep throat
  • Tonsillitis
  • Tuberculosis
• Cancer
  • Hodgkin's disease
  • Leukemia
  • Mouth cancer
  • Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
  • Other cancer
• Thyroid
  • Cancer of the thyroid
  • Goiter
  • Graves' disease
• Viral
  • AIDS
  • Herpes infections
  • HIV disease
  • Infectious mononucleosis
  • Rubella (German measles)
  • Viral pharyngitis
• Other
  • Allergic reactions
  • Allergic reaction to a drug (medication)
  • Food allergies

SALIVARY GLAND ENLARGEMENT

• Infection
• Mumps
• Salivary gland tumor
• Stone in salivary duct