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Neck lumps are common and can be caused by a variety of conditions and diseases. They can arise from the skin or from structures underneath, such as the layers of tissue, fat, muscle, thyroid gland, salivary glands, blood vessels, and lymph nodes. While most neck lumps are benign, they can sometimes indicate cancer, especially in adults over 50. Lumps in the muscles of the neck are often caused by injury or spasm of the neck muscles (torticollis). These lumps typically form at the front of the neck and can be painful or tender to the touch. Muscle knots, also called myofascial trigger points, are another potential cause of neck lumps and are a result of muscle tension.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause | Muscle strain or torticollis (sprain of neck muscle) |
| Location | Front of the neck |
| Symptoms | Muscle pain, mild fever, swollen lymph nodes, runny or stuffy nose, headache, inflamed or red eyes, soreness in throat, difficulty swallowing, pain in the ear, trouble breathing, hoarseness, skin changes, blood or phlegm in saliva |
| Diagnosis | Self-diagnosis is not recommended. Consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis. |
| Treatment | Gently stretching the muscle usually resolves a muscle spasm. Massage can help with muscle knots. |
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Muscle strain and torticollis
A muscle strain can cause a lump in the neck, and this condition is known as torticollis. Torticollis is a common condition that occurs when the neck muscles spasm, causing pain on one side and difficulty straightening the neck. It can be caused by muscle trauma, which may be so minor that one might not remember it, such as sleeping in an awkward position. In some cases, torticollis can also be caused by inflammation in the neck or nearby ligaments and muscles, or reactions to certain medications.
The sternocleidomastoid muscle, located in the anterior region of the neck, is the most commonly affected muscle in torticollis. This muscle performs contralateral rotation, ipsilateral inclination, and flexion of the head. Other muscles that can be involved in torticollis include the splenius, trapezius, scapula, scalenes, and platysma.
Torticollis can present with various symptoms, including pain and stiffness in the neck and shoulders, headaches, and difficulty performing usual activities due to pain. It is important to note that torticollis is a physical sign and not a disease. In most cases, the symptoms of torticollis usually disappear within a week with treatment options such as pain relief, gentle heat application, and massage.
There are different types of torticollis, including congenital torticollis, which is present at birth or during the neonatal period, and acquired torticollis, which presents later in life. Congenital torticollis can be further classified into postural, muscular, and sternocleidomastoid mass subtypes, with the latter two subtypes involving the SCM muscle. Treatment for torticollis aims to improve posture, such as standing and sitting straight, arranging workspaces ergonomically, taking frequent breaks, and supporting the neck while sleeping.
While most neck lumps are benign, it is important to note that cancer is a possible cause, especially in adults over 50. Other benign neck masses include branchial clefts, thyroglossal duct cysts, dermoids, salivary masses, or ranulas. Neck lumps can also be caused by infections, lipomas (benign fatty growths), thyroid nodules, and allergic reactions to medication or food.
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Muscle knots
Lumps in the neck may be muscle knots or they may be bacterial infections, viruses, lipomas, cysts, or cancerous growths. They may be accompanied by other symptoms such as a sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, a stuffy nose, or difficulty swallowing.
If you detect a lump in your neck, gently palpate the area. If you find a lump, it may be tender or painful to the touch. If you notice any symptoms or have issues with muscle knots, consult a doctor for a diagnosis and treatment options.
While muscle strain can cause lumps in the neck, there are many other potential causes, and a doctor is the best resource to determine the cause and recommend treatment.
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Lymph nodes
Infections are the most common cause of swollen lymph nodes, usually viral infections like the common cold, mononucleosis, or bacterial infections such as strep throat. When the body fights these infections, the lymph nodes may become swollen and tender. This tenderness usually subsides within a few days, although the swelling may persist for several weeks.
Other less common causes of swollen neck lymph nodes include bacterial infections from cat scratches or bites, known as cat scratch fever, and certain sexually transmitted infections like syphilis. Allergic reactions to medication and food can also cause neck lumps.
In some cases, swollen lymph nodes may be a sign of cancer, either arising primarily from the lymph nodes (lymphoma) or spreading to them from elsewhere in the body (metastatic malignancies). Cancer patients may also experience skin changes around the lump, blood or phlegm in their saliva, and difficulty breathing or a hoarse voice if the lump is blocking their airway.
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Thyroid gland
A lump in the neck can be caused by various factors, including muscle strain, injury, torticollis, bacterial infections, or viruses. It is important to be aware of any changes in the neck and to seek medical advice if concerned.
Now, let's focus on the thyroid gland:
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located at the front of the neck, just below the Adam's apple. It is part of the endocrine system, which is responsible for creating and releasing hormones. The thyroid's primary function is to produce thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism, growth, and development. The thyroid hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) are created from iodine and tyrosine. Iodine is an essential element for the production of these hormones, and it can be obtained from iodized table salt and water. The thyroid gland traps iodine and converts it into thyroid hormones.
The thyroid gland weighs between 20 and 60 grams in adults, with each lobe measuring approximately 5 cm in length, 3 cm in width, and 2 cm in thickness. The gland is usually larger in women than in men and tends to increase in size during pregnancy. The thyroid is surrounded by two fibrous capsules, with the outer capsule connected to the voice box muscles, blood vessels, and nerves.
The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating many bodily functions by releasing a steady amount of thyroid hormones into the bloodstream. When the body requires more energy, such as during growth, cold conditions, or pregnancy, the thyroid gland increases hormone production. The thyroid hormones influence the metabolic rate, protein synthesis, and growth and development, especially in children.
Additionally, the thyroid gland is involved in the functioning of various organ systems, including the cardiovascular, nervous, digestive, and reproductive systems. When the thyroid is not functioning properly, it can lead to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, pain, or a burning sensation in affected body parts. It can also impact mental health, with hypothyroidism linked to depression and hyperthyroidism associated with anxiety.
In some cases, the thyroid gland may become enlarged, a condition known as diffuse goiter. Alternatively, individual lumps called nodules may develop within the gland, referred to as a nodular goiter.
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Salivary glands
The human body contains three pairs of large salivary glands, with one of each pair located on either side of the face. These include the parotid glands, which are located inside the cheeks and extend from the top of the ears into the jaw; the submandibular glands, which are located behind the lower jaw, under the tongue and chin; and the sublingual glands, which are located on either side of the tongue, deep under the floor of the mouth. There are also several hundred minor salivary glands throughout the mouth and throat.
Salivary gland disorders can be caused by various factors, including infections, obstructions, and tumors. Infections of the salivary glands, known as sialadenitis, can be bacterial or viral. Bacterial infections typically cause one-sided swelling of the salivary gland, along with symptoms such as fever and pain. Staphylococcus aureus is the most common bacterial cause of salivary gland infections. Viral infections such as mumps, flu, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV), Coxsackievirus, and the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can also cause salivary gland swelling.
Obstructions in the salivary glands can be caused by small stones, known as salivary gland stones or salivary duct stones, that form in the gland ducts and block the flow of saliva. This can lead to swelling, pain, and infection. In some cases, small constrictions or twists in the duct system of the large salivary glands can also decrease salivary flow.
Tumors in the salivary glands can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign tumors are more common, and they usually appear as painless enlargements in one of the salivary glands. Malignant tumors may grow quickly, and they may or may not be painful. They can also cause numbness or loss of movement in the affected side of the face. Risk factors for salivary gland cancer include older age, treatment with radiation to the head and neck, certain types of chemotherapy, and exposure to certain substances at work.
It is important to note that any swelling in the areas of the salivary glands should be evaluated by a healthcare professional. They may recommend imaging tests, such as sialography or a salivary endoscopy (sialoendoscopy), to check for blockages or masses in the salivary glands. If a mass is found, further tests such as a CT scan, MRI, or fine needle aspiration biopsy may be suggested to confirm the diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, muscle strain or torticollis (a sprain of the neck muscle) can cause a lump in the neck.
Lumps in the neck can be caused by swollen lymph nodes, bacterial or viral infections, cancer, thyroid issues, salivary gland infections, cysts, or skin irritation.
If there are no visible lumps, you can gently palpate your neck to feel for any lumps. Be careful not to press hard or jab at the muscles. Lumps can feel like small beads or marbles within the neck muscles and may be tender or painful to the touch.
