What Causes Lump on Back of The Neck?

What is a Lump on Neck?

A lump on the neck refers to any abnormal swelling, mass, or bump that can be felt or seen in the neck area. These lumps, occuring on the back, sides, or even front of the neck; can vary in size, shape, and even texture.

Symptoms of Lump on Back of The Neck

These, at times painful lumps on neck, can manifest symptoms that include:

• Noticeable swelling or bulge: Swelling or bulge in the affected area is the main of all symptoms. This swelling may vary in size and can sometimes be felt or seen beneath the skin.

• Pain or tenderness: Based on the cause of the lump, individuals may experience pain or tenderness in the area surrounding the lump. This discomfort can range from mild to severe and may get worse when touched or moved.

• Redness or warmth: The skin overlying the lump may appear red or even feel warm when touched, indicating inflammation or infection, prompting medical attention.

• Changes in skin color or texture: The skin covering the lump may change in color or texture. This can include areas of discoloration, such as redness or darkening, as well as alterations in texture, such as roughness or scaliness.

• Difficulty moving the neck or head: Individuals may experience difficulty moving their neck based on the size and location of the lump. This restriction in movement can be accompanied by stiffness, interfering with daily activities.

Causes of Lump on Back of The Neck

The factors leading to the development of these bumps on the back of neck are inclusive of:

• Lipoma: Lipomas are benign tumors composed of fat cells, typically presented as soft, movable lumps beneath the skin. While lipomas are usually harmless, they can sometimes grow large enough to cause discomfort or affect mobility.

• Sebaceous Cyst: Sebaceous cysts are sac-like structures filled with an oily substance called sebum. These cysts can develop when a hair follicle becomes blocked or damaged, leading to the accumulation of sebum.

• Enlarged Lymph Nodes: Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that play a vital role in the immune system. When the body is fighting off an infection or inflammation, lymph nodes may become enlarged or swollen.

• Thyroid Nodule: Thyroid nodules are abnormal growths or lumps that develop within the thyroid gland, which is located in front of the neck. Thyroid nodules can at times cause symptoms such as difficulty swallowing or breathing if they grow large enough.

• Muscle Knots: Muscle knots, also known as trigger points, are areas of tight, contracted muscle fibers. These knots can develop due to factors such as poor posture, overuse, or injury – causing localized pain, stiffness, and discomfort.

How To Diagnose Lump on Back of The Neck

Diagnosing these painful lumps on the neck involve the following:

• Physical Examination: A thorough physical examination is required to assess the lump’s size, location, texture, and mobility – while considering symptoms such as pain or tenderness.

• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests, such as ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan, may be prescribed to obtain detailed images of the lump. These tests can help determine the lump’s composition, size, and relationship to nearby tissues.

• Biopsy: During a biopsy procedure, a small piece of tissue is removed using a needle or surgical incision and examined under a microscope by a pathologist, which helps determine if the lump is cancerous.

• Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA): Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is a minimally invasive procedure that involved inserting a thin needle into the lump, and applying suction to collect cells for examination under a microscope – this helps differentiate between different types of lumps.

• Blood Tests: Blood tests may be conducted to assess for signs of infection, inflammation, or underlying medical conditions that could be contributing to the development of the lump. These tests may include a complete blood count (CBC), inflammatory markers, thyroid function tests, or specific antigen tests.

How To Treat Lump on Back of The Neck?

The available options to treat lump on back of the neck are as follows:

• Surgical Removal: Surgical removal may be necessary for lumps that are causing symptoms, growing rapidly, or are suspected to be cancerous. Depending on the size and location of the lump, surgical excision may be performed under local or general anesthesia.

• Antibiotics or Medications: If the lump is caused by an underlying infection, such as a sebaceous cyst or infected lymph node, antibiotics or other medications may be prescribed to treat the infection and reduce inflammation.

• Corticosteroid Injections: Corticosteroid injections may be recommended for certain types of lumps, such as inflamed or painful lipomas or muscle knots. These injections can help reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and shrink the size of the lump. Multiple injections may be required for optimal results.

• Physical Therapy or Massage: For lumps caused by muscle knots or trigger points, physical therapy techniques such as stretching exercises, massage therapy, or myofascial release techniques may be beneficial. These modalities can help relax tight muscles, improve range of motion, and alleviate associated symptoms.

• Radiofrequency Ablation: Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat energy to destroy abnormal tissue, such as benign tumors or cysts.

• Laser Therapy: Laser therapy may be used to treat certain types of lumps, such as sebaceous cysts or small lipomas. Laser energy is directed at the lump to break down its contents and shrink its size. This approach is minimally invasive and typically requires minimal downtime.

Frequently Asked Questions

– Disclaimer –

This blog is for informational & educational purposes only, and does not intend to substitute any professional medical advice or consultation. For any health related concerns, please consult with your physician, or call 911.