Lump on the neck
A bump on the neck is a swelling or thickening in the area of the neck. This can occur in different regions and occur either only on one or on both sides. The appearance also varies and is, for example, more extensive or knotty, depending on the cause.
Because the neck is a region of the body with many different important organs, muscles, and nerves, there are many possible causes of a bump on the neck.
A doctor should be consulted for clarification in order to identify possible diseases at an early stage and to have them treated
The reasons
There are many different organs in the neck area that can cause a possible bump on the neck.
The swelling is often due to the large numbers of lymph nodes on the neck. These are usually a little larger in the course of an inflammation or a cold, which is a sign of the active immune system. However, enlarged lymph nodes are rarely a sign of an infectious disease or a tumor. It is therefore very important to see a doctor if you have other symptoms, such as weight loss.
The thyroid gland that sits on the front of the neck can also cause a bump on the neck. There are also various possible causes, such as a lack of iodine or inflammation of the thyroid gland.
With laryngitis, an inflammation of the larynx, for example with a pronounced flu, there is often also a swelling. An abscess, a cavity filled with pus, can also cause a bump on the neck. In the case of untreated dental problems, for example, this can sink into the neck area.
A so-called lipoma, a non-painful lump made of fatty tissue, can also appear on the neck. Cysts, congenital cavities with fluids, are a rather rare cause.
If the bump appears at the back of the neck, it is often due to muscular tension.
Lymph node swelling in the neck- How dangerous is it? Read more about this here.
A bump pronounced on one side only
If there is a bump on the neck on the right or left side, there can be various causes. The most common lymph node swellings are palpable on the right or left side.
Often, however, there are also other local causes, such as an abscess or a lump on the thyroid gland.
If there is a bump on the right or left neck, a doctor should be consulted to clarify possible diseases.
The thyroid as a possible cause
Since the thyroid is superficial on the neck, a bump on the neck can be caused by various problems with that organ. Other symptoms, such as changes in blood pressure and heart rhythm or sleep disorders, often occur.
An enlargement can be caused by an over- or underactive thyroid or, for example, Graves' disease, an autoimmune disease. This is often referred to as goiter or goiter, i.e. swelling of the thyroid gland. The bulging can also be caused by one or more nodes in the thyroid gland.
In order to determine whether the bump on the throat is caused by the thyroid gland, one can look to see whether or not it moves when swallowing. If so, the thyroid is likely to be affected. In all cases, a doctor should be consulted for clarification.
Find out more about the topic here Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
An abscess as a possible cause
An abscess is a cavity that is formed by an infection and is filled with pus. Abscesses in the neck area are mostly caused by bacteria, but they are rare overall. These can develop in various places, such as the tonsils, i.e. the tonsils, if they become inflamed.
The mastoid, i.e. the protruding bone behind the ear, and the floor of the mouth are also possible locations for an abscess. Therefore, if you suspect other symptoms, such as coated tonsils, redness or difficulty swallowing, you should be careful and consult a doctor. Occasionally, severe untreated dental problems with inflammation can lead to abscesses that can migrate down the throat.
more on the subject abscess you'll find here.
The throat as a possible cause
In some cases, the larynx can also be the cause of a bump on the neck. Laryngitis, i.e. laryngitis, which is usually caused by viruses, is the most common disease. Swelling develops, which is accompanied by hoarseness and severe cold symptoms. This should be treated promptly by a doctor to prevent possible breathing and swallowing problems.
Other diseases of the larynx are usually not noticed by a lump on the neck, but rather by other symptoms such as difficulty breathing, hoarseness or a change in voice at an earlier stage.
Read more on the subject here Laryngitis.
The symptoms
A bump on the neck can be noticed by various features. In most cases it can be recognized by the visible swelling on the neck. This can occur in different areas of the neck, either only on one side or on both sides and of different sizes.
Another important role is played by touching, which can reveal a bump on the neck. It should always be questioned whether it can be a lymph node that has swollen due to the activation of the immune system. The lymph nodes have typical locations and are mainly found under the jaw and on the side of the neck, along the so-called sternocleidomastoid muscle (the nodding muscle).
When touching, various criteria can help to identify the cause. For example, a bump that can be moved easily suggests a harmless cause and a painful bump often indicates an acute inflammation, such as the flu.
With a bump on the neck, depending on the cause, there are often other symptoms that should be watched for. Is the cause e.g. in the thyroid gland, changes in blood pressure, cardiac arrhythmias, sweating and sleep disorders are common. When the larynx is involved, hoarseness and cold symptoms are also common.
For another symptom of a bump on the neck, see below: Swelling on the neck under the jaw
The pain as a symptom
A bump on the neck can cause pain. Often these occur primarily when touching and are referred to as tenderness. A painful swelling is often a sign of an acute process, such as inflammation. In this context, attention should be paid to other signs of inflammation. These include e.g. a warming of the swelling and a visible reddening.
Pain usually speaks against a malignant cause, so it is not a typical sign of cancer. Nevertheless, a doctor should be consulted for clarification.
The headache as a symptom
An occasional headache can also occur with a bump on the neck. In this context, however, these are not a typical accompanying symptom of the common diseases. Therefore, it should always be taken into account that the headache is independent of the bump on the neck and happens to occur simultaneously. But they can also occur together with fatigue and fever in flu with swollen lymph nodes.
In rare cases they are an accompanying symptom of infectious diseases. This includes, for example, Pfeiffer's glandular fever, which leads to inflammation of the tonsils and throat and often also causes headaches.
Evidence of cancer
If a bump is found on the neck, the first thing to do is to remain calm. The likelihood that it is a harmless bump is very high.
There are some criteria that are typical of cancer and that should be observed. If the bump has been present for several weeks, this speaks more against an acute inflammation and in favor of a malignant process. The lymph nodes should also be palpated regularly. This can include a lack of tenderness, poor mobility and an increase in size over a long period of time. If there is any fear or uncertainty, a doctor should always be consulted.
For more information on possible symptoms of cancer, see: B symptoms.
The diagnosis
A bump on the neck should always be felt first. Criteria such as size, shape and any external redness are important. But also the mobility, possibly accompanied by swallowing, and the delimitation of the bump from the surrounding tissue are essential criteria. This allows various causes to be classified as likely or less likely.
Depending on the trigger, other diagnostic tools are important. If there is a problem with the thyroid gland, the attending physician can, for example, perform an ultrasound and a blood test to examine the disease more closely.
The therapy
Treatment of a bump on the neck depends on the location and associated cause. If the cause is unclear or the bump has been around for a few weeks, a doctor should always be consulted for clarification.
In many cases, a bump on the neck is a swollen lymph node, such as is the case with the flu or a respiratory infection. In the case of a bacterial infection, antibiotics are in the foreground as therapy, physical protection and warmth are also very important.
If the swelling on the neck is an enlarged thyroid gland, this disease must be treated in consultation with a doctor. A more conscious and consistent intake of iodine is often enough. But it can also be an autoimmune disease, such as Graves' disease, which is treated with so-called anti-thyroid drugs. These are drugs that inhibit the excessive production of thyroid hormones.
A lipoma, a lump of adipose tissue that occasionally appears on the side or back of the neck, can be removed with a low-risk, small operation.
Home remedies for therapy
Various home remedies can help reduce the swelling if you have a bump on your neck. In addition to physical protection, this includes warmth in the form of warm compresses or tea. Honey and garlic also have an anti-inflammatory effect and thus also help to reduce the bump on the neck. For example, honey can be stirred into tea and more garlic can be used in cooking.
However, if you are unsure about the cause, you should consult a doctor, as many home remedies only have a decongestant effect, but do not cure a possibly existing disease.
Homeopathy for therapy
In the case of a bump on the neck, the range of possible homeopathic remedies is wide, as there are different options depending on the cause. In general, Apis mellifica, Bellis perennis and Apisinum are particularly suitable for swelling. Kalium carbonicum and Agaricus muscarius can also have a decongestant effect. If the bump on the neck is caused by swollen lymph nodes, Hepar sulfuris is also an effective homeopathic remedy.
The duration
The duration of a bump on the neck can vary depending on the cause. In acute flu or laryngitis, the lymph nodes often swell for a few days to a few weeks. A bump caused by the thyroid gland can swell again under therapy.
If a bump on the neck has persisted for several weeks, a doctor should be consulted for clarification.
