Is a Neck Lump a Sign of Cancer?

This page is for anyone who has found a lump in their neck. It explains the usual causes, how long to wait before seeing a doctor, and which signs need faster care.

There are dozens of lymph nodes in the neck. The NHS (the UK's National Health Service) describes swollen glands (lymph nodes) as usually a sign the body is fighting an infection, and says they feel like tender, painful lumps on each side of the neck, under the chin, in the armpits or around the groin.

It adds that a gland on just one side can swell by itself, and that a sore throat, cough or high temperature often comes with it.

The timeline it gives is one to two weeks. Rest, fluids and ordinary painkillers are the whole of the advice for that period.

MedlinePlus says a swollen gland may take several weeks to go back to its normal size. It says to contact your provider if your glands do not get smaller after several weeks, or if they keep getting larger.

A gland that keeps growing does not need to wait out that clock. Nor does a lump that came with no cold or infection at all. The American Cancer Society says to have an enlarged lymph node checked by a doctor, especially if it does not go away or gets worse.

The NHS and MedlinePlus list these as reasons to book with your primary care doctor rather than wait it out:

• glands that keep getting bigger.
• a lump that feels hard or irregular, or does not move when you press it.
• night sweats, or a very high temperature with feeling hot, cold or shivery.
• a swollen lump with no other sign of illness or infection.
• swollen glands just above or below the collar bone.

None of these are emergencies. They are the details that move an appointment up the list.

A neck lump sits beside the windpipe and the swallowing tube, and that is the one situation where speed matters.

If you have swollen glands and you are finding it hard to swallow, or have difficulty breathing, call your doctor right away. MedlinePlus says to contact your provider right away if you feel as if you are choking during or after eating or drinking, or if swallowing trouble comes with shortness of breath.

Severe breathing trouble is separate. MedlinePlus says to go to the emergency room or call 911 if breathing difficulty comes on suddenly or seriously gets in the way of breathing and talking. Gasping, choking, not being able to get words out, or lips turning blue or grey all belong here.

NCI says head and neck cancer symptoms may include:

• a lump in the neck
• a sore in the mouth or throat that does not heal
• a sore throat that does not go away
• difficulty swallowing
• a change or hoarseness in the voice

It notes these can also be caused by less serious conditions.

Lymphoma is the other one people think of. Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymph system. NCI lists these among Hodgkin lymphoma symptoms:

• painless swollen lymph nodes in the neck, underarm or groin
• fever for no known reason
• drenching night sweats
• unexplained weight loss over the past 6 months
• itchy skin
• heavy tiredness

Thyroid lumps sit at the front of the neck and are usually benign.

The NHS says the doctor will look at your lump and may be able to say what is causing it. If they are unsure, they might refer you to hospital for tests such as an ultrasound scan or a biopsy.

Before you go, note when you first felt it, whether it has changed size, whether it hurts, and whether you have had a sore throat, dental problem, fever, night sweats or weight loss. When Should I Worry About a Symptom? covers how those details get weighed.

• NHS — Swollen glands
• NHS — Lumps
• MedlinePlus — Swollen lymph nodes
• MedlinePlus — Swallowing difficulty
• MedlinePlus — Breathing difficulty
• American Cancer Society — Can Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Be Found Early?
• National Cancer Institute — Head and Neck Cancers
• National Cancer Institute — Adult Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment (PDQ)