The skin on the back of the neck by the hairline comes into contact with many things that can irritate it. As a result, lumps, bumps, and other skin concerns are relatively common here.
A lump can be alarming, especially if it is not within sight. However, many different conditions can cause a swollen lump on the back of the neck, including benign causes such as acne and irritation. One cause sometimes leads to another. For example, a boil on the back of the neck can cause the lymph nodes to swell.
The most common causes of a lump on the neck include the following:
The lymph nodes are the body’s
Several lymph nodes run along the back of the neck on either side of the spine. There are also lymph nodes behind each ear. A tender lump that is about the size of a marble and moves slightly when a person touches it may be a swollen lymph node.
Sometimes, lymph nodes swell when there is an infection nearby. A swollen lymph node in the neck might be a sign of an ear infection or an infected cyst. Lymph nodes can also swell for no obvious reason. As long as the swelling disappears, there is no reason to worry.
Although it is rare, swollen lymph nodes can sometimes signal a more serious health condition, such as cancer. People should see a doctor if the swelling does not disappear after a few weeks.
Acne, including
Acne develops when sweat, bacteria, and oil block the pores. Although hormonal changes during adolescence often trigger acne, it can appear at any age.
The neck is a common site for acne. Hair care products, sweat, and clothing can all irritate the back of the neck, making acne worse.
A wide variety of over-the-counter (OTC) remedies may help, as may switching shampoos, keeping the neck clean and dry, and keeping the hair off the neck.
If acne is severe, very painful, or does not respond to home remedies, a dermatologist may prescribe a stronger medication.
A
Some cysts come to a head or ooze when a person squeezes them. However, popping a cyst will not cure it, and doing this can cause an infection. In most cases, a doctor can use a simple procedure to remove a cyst in their office.
If the cyst is painful or red, it is important to see a doctor because this is a sign of infection. Warm compresses and OTC pain medication can also help.
A red and painful bump
Squeezing a boil can cause the infection to become worse or spread. Instead, people should try applying warm compresses and keeping the area clean.
A person should see a doctor if a fever develops or if the boil is very painful or does not go away on its own in a few days. The doctor may drain the boil or prescribe antibiotics.
In most cases, moles appear during childhood, but new moles can grow at any age. If the lump feels fleshy and is on the skin rather than underneath it or in the muscle, it might be a mole.
Moles themselves are not a problem, but some moles can become cancerous. A person can use a mirror to look at the mole or ask someone else to check it.
Use the ABCDE acronym to check for signs of skin cancer:
- A: asymmetrical mole
- B: uneven or irregular border
- C: uneven color or unusual shades, such as blue and red
- D: diameter greater than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser)
- E: evolving and changing over time
Anyone concerned about their moles should consider scheduling an annual mole check with a dermatologist to ensure that they are all healthy.
Many substances can irritate the back of the neck.
Shampoo, hair care products, detergent on clothing, and sunscreen may cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. Friction from clothing also sometimes irritates the neck and causes a rash.
If the lump is small and itchy or there are dry patches on the neck, this could indicate irritated skin or an allergic reaction.
A person may find that it helps to change detergents, keep the neck clean, keep the hair off the neck, and reduce the number of products that they use on the skin and hair.
If these actions are not effective, a doctor may want to test for allergies and examine the rash to ensure that something else did not cause it.
Injured or tense muscles
The neck is a common site for muscle pain and tension. Spending consecutive days being hunched over a desk and looking at a computer can irritate the muscles that connect the head to the neck at the hairline. Muscle knots, also called myofascial trigger points, are a sign that the muscles are tense. However, they do not indicate a serious health issue.
A lump is likely to be a muscle knot if:
- it is in a band of muscle rather than above a bone or on the skin
- pushing on it causes muscle pain or tension in either the knot or the surrounding area
Massage can help with muscle knots. Gentle neck stretches, frequent breaks, and good posture can also be beneficial and may prevent muscle knots from forming.
Below are some commonly asked questions about a lump on the back of the neck.
What is a cystic lymph node?
A cystic lymph node is a lymph node with fluid inside of it, like a cyst.
What causes a cystic lymph node?
Cystic lymph nodes are often a result of metastasized squamous cell carcinoma or lymphoma. However, they can also occur due to infections such as tuberculosis and inflammatory conditions like Kikuchi disease.
Can a cystic lymph node be benign?
Cystic lymph nodes can be benign. For example, one cause is Kikuchi disease, a
How do I know if it is a cyst or lymph node?
A lymph node is a solid structure, whereas a cyst is a fluid-filled structure.
A swollen lymph node is often tender to the touch. It may also accompany other symptoms depending on the cause. For example, an upper respiratory infection can cause swollen lymph nodes in the neck accompanied by a runny nose, coughing, or sneezing. A cyst usually is not painful. However, in some cases, it can be painful to the touch.
Can a lump on the back of the neck be cancer?
In rare cases, a lump on the neck can be a symptom of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This is a type of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system. A person should seek medical advice if they are concerned.
What does a tumor in the back of the neck feel like?
According to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, a cancerous neck lump tends to feel hard rather than squishy and is usually painless.
A person may be worried if they feel a lump on the back of the neck. However, most lumps are relatively harmless and very few are real emergencies. If the lump does not hurt and there are no other symptoms, it is usually OK to wait a few days to see a doctor. If the bump does not go away, a person should see a doctor.
Even if the cause is something serious, such as an infection or cancer, early treatment significantly increases the likelihood of a positive outcome.