Finding a lump in your neck can be worrying, but most neck lumps are harmless. The most common cause by far is a swollen lymph node (gland) from a cold, sore throat or other infection, and these usually settle within 2 to 3 weeks. This guide explains the common causes of a neck lump, the signs that mean you should get it checked, and how an ultrasound scan helps find out what it is.
What causes a lump in the neck?
| Cause | Where it usually is | What it is often like |
|---|---|---|
| Swollen lymph nodes (glands) | Sides of the neck, under the jaw | Soft, tender, often with a cold or sore throat |
| Thyroid nodule or goitre | Front of the neck, moves when you swallow | Usually painless; a goitre makes the whole front of the neck swell |
| Cyst (for example a thyroglossal or branchial cyst) | Front or side of the neck | Smooth and round, sometimes gets bigger with an infection |
| Salivary gland swelling | Under the jaw or in front of the ear | May swell or ache when you eat |
| Lipoma (fatty lump) | Anywhere under the skin | Soft, rubbery and moves under the skin |
| Cancer (uncommon) | Anywhere in the neck | Often painless, hard, fixed in place and growing |
Lumps elsewhere in the body follow similar patterns. Our guides to armpit lumps and shoulder lumps explain more.
When should you worry about a neck lump?
Most neck lumps are not serious, but see your GP if you notice any of the following. These are the signs national guidance (NICE NG12) asks doctors to check promptly:
- the lump hasn’t gone after 3 weeks
- it is getting bigger
- it feels hard or doesn’t move when you press it
- you have a hoarse voice for more than 3 weeks
- you have difficulty or pain swallowing
- you have unexplained weight loss, night sweats or a high temperature that keeps coming back
The NHS has more on swollen glands and lumps in general.
How does an ultrasound scan help?
Ultrasound is usually the first scan used to look at a neck lump. It is quick, painless and uses no radiation. It can typically show:
- whether the lump is solid or filled with fluid (a cyst)
- which structure it comes from, such as a lymph node, the thyroid or a salivary gland
- its size and shape, so it can be compared with later scans
- the blood flow in and around it, using Doppler ultrasound
- features of lymph nodes and thyroid nodules that help decide whether further tests are needed
Ultrasound can’t always tell on its own whether a lump is benign or cancerous. Sometimes a small sample (biopsy) is needed for that. Your report describes what we see, so you can discuss the next steps with your doctor. Read more in our guide: can an ultrasound detect cancer?
Thyroid lumps
A lump at the front of the neck that moves when you swallow is often in the thyroid. Thyroid nodules are very common, and most are harmless. The British Thyroid Foundation explains how they are assessed, and the NHS has a guide to goitre.
Neck ultrasound at The Scan Clinic
Our private neck ultrasound checks neck lumps, swollen glands, the thyroid and the salivary glands at our East London clinic. No GP referral is needed, but bring one if you have it. We explain what we see before you leave, and your written report comes to you within 24 hours, ready to share with your GP. To book, message us on WhatsApp from the scan page and we’ll find a time that suits you.
