Whether you are experiencing neck lumps, a neck mass, a neck cyst, or neck swelling, you may need an ultrasound to get an accurate diagnosis.

The neck contains numerous complex structures, and it’s not always easy to make a diagnosis on a physical assessment alone.

Here is an overview of what may be causing lumps and nodules in your neck, when it’s a good idea to see a doctor, and what ultrasounds involve.

Neck lumps can come from various places, but they often originate from:

• Thyroid gland
• Trachea (windpipe)
• Larynx (voice box)
• Neck muscles
• Arteries and veins running down the neck
• Salivary glands

Some causes of neck lumps are more common than others. Common causes of neck lumps include:

• Viruses and infections, including mumps, which lead to swollen glands
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Stone in the salivary duct
• Lipomas
• Benign cysts
• Bacterial infections such as tonsillitis

Although most neck lumps are caused by conditions like the above, some less common causes of neck lumps include:

• Leukaemia
• Thyroid cancer
• Cancers of tissues in the head and neck area
• Cancers of nearby organs, including the breasts, lungs, and throat
• Some types of skin cancer
• Autoimmune diseases
• Infections associated with long-term conditions such as HIV

Since there are multiple causes for neck lumps and neck swelling, it’s crucial to see a doctor if you notice

• Trouble breathing
• A hoarse voice or trouble speaking
• An intensely sore throat
• Difficulty swallowing or eating
• Skin changes in the surrounding area
• Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
• Fever

The treatment options for neck lumps vary, depending on the cause. Treatment options include:

• Antibiotics
• Surgery
• Chemotherapy or radiation for cancerous causes
• Observation or a period of watchful waiting to see if your condition improves on its own – this is especially helpful if you have no pain and it’s a benign cause

Since the neck is so complicated, however, you may need an ultrasound before your doctor can give you the right diagnosis.

Ultrasounds are a pain-free and simple way to see what’s happening in your neck.

These ultrasounds can identify neck lumps and swelling and help your doctor identify the cause. 

In other words, it helps your doctor or specialist identify abnormalities and put in place an accurate treatment plan.

Here’s what happens during your ultrasound.

First, you’ll lie down and the doctor will apply a clear, water-based gel to your neck. This gel is harmless although it may feel a little cold.

It lets the ultrasound probe travel across your skin without friction.

As the doctor moves the probe across your skin, it transmits images onto a screen.

These images show the soft tissue, muscles, and tendons in your neck. The scan can pick up abnormalities such as nodules, cysts, and infections.

Don’t worry if the scan picks up an abnormality. Your doctor will go over what the results mean.

Since ultrasounds are non-surgical and completely non-invasive, you can go home straight after the imaging.

There’s no aftercare or recovery time required, and you don’t need to prepare for the scan in advance.