Neck Lumps

What is neck lump?

A lump in the neck may be due to many causes
Not all neck lumps need to be removed surgically
However, if you have a neck lump a complete ear, nose and throat, head and neck assessment by a surgeon is important

A congenital or developmental abnormality
Infection by bacteria, viruses or other organisms
Inflammation due to various reasons, which may involve the thyroid or salivary glands
A benign (non-cancerous) tumour which may arise from any of the neck structures including nerves, fat, muscles, blood vessels, thyroid or salivary glands
A malignant (cancerous) tumour which may be spread from a skin cancer, mouth or throat cancer to the lymph glands in the neck

The head and neck region contains many lymph glands (also called lymph nodes) which are part of the immune system that fight infection
Neck lumps are often due to swollen lymph glands
Lymph glands are normally small, soft and non-tender lumps
Lymph glands may increase in size due to infection or when there are swollen by abnormal cells
Lymph glands may also become painful or tender
In children, neck lumps are more frequently benign (non-cancerous)
The rate of malignant (cancerous) lumps increases with age

Surgery to remove a neck lump depends on the location, size, and characteristics of a lump
In general terms the incision is made along the lines of the neck’s skin folds and the area is exposed
The neck structures are carefully identified and the lump is removed along with the neck lymph glands as required based on the diagnosis
The lump is then forwarded for histopathology assessment to confirm the diagnosis
The incision is usually closed with dissolvable sutures around a silicone drain tube
The drain tube helps prevent fluid accumulation and is usually removed a few days after surgery