Lump in the Neck — Causes and When to Worry
Also described as swelling in neck, neck swelling, swollen gland, thyroid swelling.
A soft, tender neck lump appearing with a sore throat is usually a reactive lymph node and settles in weeks. A painless, firm lump that persists beyond three weeks, or any lump in a smoker over 40, needs examination and imaging without delay.
🚨 Get emergency care if you have
- •A painless firm lump persisting beyond three weeks
- •A lump with hoarseness, difficulty swallowing or ear pain
- •A lump in a smoker or tobacco chewer over 40
- •A rapidly enlarging lump
- •A lump with night sweats, fever and weight loss
What causes neck lump?
Reactive lymph node
Tender, mobile swelling with a throat or dental infection, resolving as that settles.
Thyroid nodule or goitre
A midline swelling that moves on swallowing. Assessed with ultrasound and thyroid tests.
Tuberculous lymphadenitis
Common in India — matted painless nodes, sometimes with fever and weight loss.
Salivary gland swelling
Below the jaw or in front of the ear, sometimes worse before meals if a stone is present.
Head and neck cancer or lymphoma
A persistent painless firm node, especially with tobacco use or systemic symptoms.
How it is investigated
- ✓ENT examination including laryngoscopy
- ✓Ultrasound neck with fine-needle aspiration cytology
- ✓Thyroid function tests where the swelling is midline
- ✓CT or MRI, and biopsy where malignancy is suspected
Not every patient needs every test. The consultation decides which of these apply to you.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I wait before getting a neck lump checked?▼
A tender lump appearing with a clear infection can be observed for two to three weeks. A painless, firm lump, one that is growing, or any lump in a tobacco user over 40 should be examined straight away rather than watched.
Does a lump that moves when I swallow mean thyroid?▼
Moving upward on swallowing suggests the swelling is attached to the thyroid or nearby structures, which narrows the diagnosis usefully. An ultrasound and thyroid function tests are the usual next steps, with a needle sample if the nodule has concerning features.
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis or a substitute for a consultation. Symptoms overlap between harmless and serious conditions, and only an examination can tell them apart. If you are worried, see a doctor.
Plan your first visit
Not sure which specialist to see? Tell our care team the reason for your visit and we will help you choose.
- Bring previous prescriptions, relevant test reports or scan images, a medication list and photo ID.
- If you plan to use insurance, bring your policy details. OPD, tests and admission benefits depend on your individual plan and approval.
- Your first consultation determines which tests or treatments are needed; not everyone needs every test listed on this page.
Appointments are requests until confirmed. In a medical emergency, call 044 2025 2025 or go to the nearest emergency department.