Does it bother too much to have a movable lump in neck? Does that signify something serious? Know all about a movable lump, in the following.
Many a time, the skin shows discomfort through various visible signs and symptoms. Acne, rashes, and more, are common issues that seldom force you to witness an alarming medical emergency. What about a lump in the neck! Most of us dealing with these know nothing much about lumps on the neck. A lump on the neck can be described as a bump, swelling or simply a lump, that may or may not be movable and painful. A protrusion or an elevated region of flesh under the skin can be termed as a lump in the neck. These are often confused with a swelling in the neck. A lump will be a hard or not so hard bump, that you can feel easily with your hand. Some lumps may be just an overgrowth of tissues or fat. However, some can be serious and need medical attention. Movable lumps too are a common issue with many people, and these may cause panic.
Lump in Neck
There are many possible causes and symptoms of lumps on the neck. The most possible ones are:
- Lymph Node – lymph nodes are small clusters of cells that produce antibodies, they are present mainly in the neck, besides the abdomen, armpit, thighs, groin, and collarbone. They are immunity cells that deal with any foreign bacteria and viruses. When these cells get infected with bacteria, virus or cancer, they may get swollen. This swelling of the lymph nodes situated in the neck area can cause a lump in the neck.
- Lipoma – they can be described as a fatty tissue like growth that causes lumps under the skin. They can be small, pea-shaped lumps that may be soft and do not cause harm or pain.
- Cysts – usually a sebaceous cyst can also cause lumps in the neck. They are formed when the sebaceous glands are clogged. These fluid-filled cysts can look like a lump in the neck. They are often soft , but sometimes can be hard too.
- Thyroid – a thyroid disease or cancer can also produce a lump in the neck. There may be multiple lumps in case of thyroid cancer. A problem with the functioning of the thyroid glands, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and Graves’ disease may also cause a lump in the neck.
- Goiter – a swelling in the neck can be caused by Goiter too. This may look like a large bump in the neck.
- Salivary Glands – a salivary gland problem like an infection, tumor or an inflammation, can cause a swelling and lump in the neck region.
- Cancerous tumor – a cancer that has spread under the skin can cause a tumor below the skin, that may look like a lump. Cancerous lumps are usually hard and are mostly not movable. They may also look reddish.
Movable Lump on Neck
A soft or a hard movable lump is most commonly caused by a swollen lymph node, due to any infection by bacteria, virus, etc. A small lump can also be a result of a fatty nodule or Lipoma, where the symptoms may include fever and night sweats. Other causes can be cysts like Dermoid cysts, Sebaceous cysts, Thyroglossal cysts, etc. Very rarely is a movable lump be cancerous. Many thyroid issues can also cause a lumps. In whichever case, it is advised to first consult a doctor before concluding the causes. A proper medical examination like a biopsy, CT scans, MRI, X-rays, blood test, etc., can reveal the exact underlying issue.
A lump in the neck needs to be checked immediately with the doctor. There are many treatments that can take care of these lumps. Get your self checked as soon as you find any lump, and get timely treatment to avoid further risks and also detect any serious underlying issue. Lumps in the neck do not cause much physical pain, however, visibly, they are not so pleasing. Get help and get rid of these bumpy growths on your neck.
