[30F] Painless, mobile neck lump

Patient Description

A 30-year-old female reports a hard, painless lump on the back of her neck, which has been present for a couple of days. The lump is described as being a couple of centimeters to an inch in size and moves very slightly upon touch. The patient has not experienced any recent injuries or trauma to the area and reports no other associated symptoms. The patient is not currently pregnant.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you've provided, possible causes for your lump could include:

  • Lipoma: A lipoma is a slow-growing, fatty lump that's most often situated between your skin and the underlying muscle layer. A lipoma isn't cancer and is usually harmless. Treatment generally isn't necessary, but if the lipoma bothers you, is painful or is growing, you may want to have it removed.

  • Cyst: A cyst is a closed pocket of tissue that can be filled with pus, fluid, skin cells, or other materials. They can appear anywhere on the body and can feel like a hard lump. They're usually harmless, but they can cause discomfort if they become infected or rupture.

  • Lymphadenopathy: This is a condition in which lymph nodes become enlarged or swollen. This can occur as a result of infection, inflammation, or cancer. In your case, the lack of pain and the mobility of the lump make this less likely, but it's still a possibility.

  • Other less common causes: These include various skin conditions, benign tumors, and, rarely, cancers.

What you can do

Given the nature of your symptoms, it would be best to consult a healthcare professional who can examine the lump and possibly order further tests. In the meantime, you can monitor the lump for any changes in size, shape, or color, and note any new symptoms.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following:

  • The lump grows rapidly or changes in size, shape, or color
  • You develop new symptoms such as pain, redness, or discharge from the lump
  • You experience unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or fever

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm an AI and not a doctor. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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11 mo ago

People Also Ask


What is a lipoma and how is it treated?

A lipoma is a slow-growing, fatty lump that is usually harmless and located between the skin and muscle layer. Treatment is generally not necessary unless it becomes bothersome, painful, or grows, in which case it can be surgically removed.


What are the common symptoms of a cyst?

A cyst is a closed pocket of tissue that can be filled with pus, fluid, skin cells, or other materials. Common symptoms include a hard lump that may be painless, but can cause discomfort if it becomes infected or ruptures.


How can I tell if a lump is a swollen lymph node?

A swollen lymph node, or lymphadenopathy, can feel like a lump and may be accompanied by symptoms such as tenderness, pain, or signs of infection. However, in some cases, they may be painless and mobile, similar to other types of lumps.


When should I be concerned about a lump on my neck?

You should be concerned about a lump on your neck if it grows rapidly, changes in size, shape, or color, or if you develop new symptoms such as pain, redness, discharge, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or fever. In such cases, seek medical attention promptly.


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