Neck Lumps: Causes, Treatment, and When to Seek Surgery

There are two or three lumps in the neck?

Hello doctor, I have two or three round lumps on my neck.
I previously saw a doctor who prescribed medication for me, but the swelling has not gone down and the lumps are still there.
Recently, I noticed that I have another lump under my jaw, which feels movable and is painful, approximately 1.5 cm in size.
Will these lumps go away? Do I need surgery? Is it normal for lumps to persist for several months? Will touching them cause ongoing inflammation and make them larger?

Xiao Ting, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/19

Dr. Zheng Jueyi reply Otolaryngology

Hello! Commonly, lymph nodes may require biopsy or follow-up, but this still needs to be determined by a clinical physician.
It is recommended to continue regular check-ups.
Wishing you health and happiness! Sincerely, Dr.
Cheng Jue-Yi, Director of the Department of Otolaryngology, Taoyuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare.

Reply Date: 2016/03/19

More Info

When it comes to neck lumps, understanding their causes, treatment options, and the appropriate timing for surgical intervention is crucial for effective management. Based on your description of having multiple round lumps on your neck, including a new one under your jaw that is movable and painful, it is important to consider several factors.

Causes of Neck Lumps
Neck lumps can arise from various conditions, including:
1. Lymphadenopathy: Enlarged lymph nodes due to infections (viral or bacterial), inflammatory conditions, or malignancies. Painful lumps often indicate an active infection or inflammation.

2. Cysts: These are fluid-filled sacs that can develop in the neck area. They can be congenital (present at birth) or acquired due to infections or blockages.

3. Lipomas: These are benign tumors made of fat tissue that are usually painless and movable.

4. Thyroid Nodules: If the lump is located in the front of the neck, it could be related to the thyroid gland.

5. Malignancies: Although less common, lumps can also be indicative of cancer, either originating in the neck or metastasizing from other areas.

Treatment Options
The treatment for neck lumps depends on the underlying cause:
- Observation: If the lump is small, asymptomatic, and not concerning, a "watchful waiting" approach may be appropriate. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider can help monitor any changes.

- Medications: If the lump is due to an infection, antibiotics or anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed. For inflammatory conditions, corticosteroids might be used.

- Surgical Intervention: Surgery may be necessary if:
- The lump is suspected to be malignant.

- It is causing significant discomfort or functional impairment.

- It is growing in size or changing in character.

- A definitive diagnosis is needed through biopsy.

When to Seek Surgery
You should consider surgical evaluation if:
- The lump persists for several weeks without improvement.

- It grows larger or becomes increasingly painful.

- You experience systemic symptoms such as fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss.

- There is a concern for malignancy based on physical examination or imaging studies.

Prognosis and Follow-Up
In many cases, benign lumps can resolve on their own, especially if they are related to transient infections. However, if a lump has been present for several months without change, it is advisable to seek further evaluation. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider are essential to monitor the lump's characteristics and any associated symptoms.

Conclusion
Given your situation, where the lumps have persisted and a new painful lump has developed, it is prudent to consult with a healthcare professional, preferably an ENT specialist or a surgeon, for a thorough evaluation. They may recommend imaging studies, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, and possibly a biopsy to determine the nature of the lumps. Early intervention can lead to better outcomes, especially if there is any concern for malignancy. Always prioritize your health and seek medical advice when in doubt.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Neck Lumps: When to Seek Further Medical Evaluation

Hello doctor, I have had a lump on the upper right side of my neck for about three months. It is slightly painful when I press on it. I initially thought it was caused by a previous adenovirus infection (in December), but after taking medication, my cold resolved, and the lump di...

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Amy: There are many causes for neck masses; common ones include lymphadenitis, thyroid enlargement or nodules, hemangiomas, fibromas, lipomas, neurofibromas, lymphomas, and inflammation of subcutaneous glands, among others. Due to the variety of potential causes, it is a...

Understanding Neck Pain and Lumps: When to Consider Surgery

Hello, Doctor. On June 1st, I suddenly experienced severe pain in my neck and felt a lump that was oval-shaped and soft, resembling a gummy candy. I visited a clinic where the doctor prescribed antibiotics for a week, but after finishing the medication, the lump did not decrease ...

Dr. Ji Zhaoyun reply Otolaryngology
Hello, based on your description, it is most likely that the cervical lymphadenopathy is accompanied by inflammation, which is often treated with medication, including antibiotics if necessary. However, if the swelling in the neck continues to progress and leads to a deep neck in...

Understanding Neck Lumps: Causes and When to Consider Surgery

Recently, I discovered two small lumps in my neck. An ultrasound examination at the hospital revealed enlarged lymph nodes measuring 1.03 cm and a few millimeters. What could be the cause of this, and is surgery necessary to remove them? Thank you!

Dr. Xu Yingzhuo reply Otolaryngology
A fine needle aspiration can be performed to check for abnormal cells, followed by a nasopharyngoscopy to determine whether surgery is necessary.

Understanding Neck Lumps: When to Seek Medical Advice

I noticed a lump in my neck today during the New Year celebrations. It's located on the side and back of my neck, and I measured it to be about 1.5 centimeters in size. It moves around when I touch it. There is also another smaller lump, about the size of a grain of rice, lo...

Dr. Lai Yicheng reply Oncology
Hello, Neck masses can be broadly categorized into three main types: congenital, inflammatory, and neoplastic. 1. Congenital masses: These are more common in children but can also appear in adults. They include branchial cleft cysts (which account for approximately 20% of...