Finding a lump in your neck can be worrying. Most are swollen lymph glands from a recent infection and settle within a few weeks. But some need a specialist assessment.
See your GP or an ENT specialist if a lump:
Lasts longer than three weeks
Is growing
Is hard or fixed in place
Comes with hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, ear pain on one side or unexplained weight loss
Appears in a smoker or regular drinker
Possible causes
Reactive lymph nodes after infection
Cysts present from birth
Salivary gland conditions
Thyroid nodules
Less commonly, head and neck cancer
How a neck lump is investigated
Assessment usually includes a full head and neck examination, a camera check of the throat, ultrasound and often a fine needle biopsy. Early assessment gives the best outcomes if treatment is needed.
Learn more on our Head & Neck page.
See an ENT specialist in Palmerston North
ENT Central is at 187 Broadway Avenue, Palmerston North. You can be referred by your GP or contact us directly. Call 0800 ENT DOC (368 362) or book an appointment online.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for a medical assessment. If you have severe or sudden symptoms, contact your GP, call Healthline on 0800 611 116, or in an emergency call 111.
