Lump in Neck: Neck Mass Causes & Treatment in Illinois

What Causes a Neck Mass?

A neck mass can develop for many reasons, but the most common causes include infection, cancer, and benign growths. Identifying the cause is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Infection

Bacterial and viral infections can cause a lump or mass in the neck:

• Strep throat
• Infected tooth or gums
• Respiratory infection
• An injury or sore that has become infected

These infections can lead to inflamed lymph nodes and would be resolved quickly with antibiotic treatment.

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV): This common virus spreads easily and affects 9 out of 10 people according to the CDC. Most people will not experience any symptoms.

Mononucleosis (Mono): Infectious mono is most commonly caused by EBV. Fatigue and swollen lymph nodes in the neck and armpits are hallmark symptoms.

Treatment for Infectious Mono

• Antibiotics are not needed because it is a virus. They are only needed if the patient also has strep throat (bacterial).
• Main treatment includes getting enough rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and eating a healthy diet.
• Taking over-the-counter pain medication for fever, headache, or sore throat.

Cancer

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted virus that can cause cancer. According to the CDC, 60%-70% of oropharyngeal cancers in the United States are caused by HPV.

Common symptoms include sore throat, hoarseness, painful swallowing, and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.

Benign Neck Masses

• Lipomas – Soft, fatty tumor just under the skin
• Hemangiomas – Tumor comprised of blood vessels
• Lymphangiomas – A fluid-filled cyst that abnormally develops in the lymphatic system.

Salivary Gland Tumors: Most of these tumors are benign and are classified by the type of cells that make up the tumor.

Benign Salivary Gland Tumors

• Pleomorphic Adenoma – Most common, slow-growing, non-cancerous
• Warthin’s Tumor – Common, linked to smoking
• Basal Cell Adenoma – Slow-growing, 1-2% of salivary gland tumors
• Canalicular Adenoma (CA) – Rare, 1% of salivary gland tumors
• Oncocytoma – Slow-growing and rare

Cancerous Salivary Gland Tumors

• Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma (MEC) – Most frequently diagnosed, swelling or painless lump in jaw, mouth, or neck. Low-grade MEC is slow-growing with good prognosis; high-grade MEC is rarer and more aggressive.
• Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma (ACC) – Uncommon, may have no symptoms. Slow-growing but can become aggressive and is likely to recur.
• Polymorphous Low-Grade Adenocarcinoma (PLGA) – Slow-growing. May present as a painless lump or swelling near salivary glands.

Other benign causes of neck masses include:

• Thyroid Nodules – These enlarged nodules can be benign or malignant.
• Enlarged Lymph Nodes – Often related to inflammation or infection.
• Cysts – Fluid-filled sacs such as branchial cleft cysts and thyroglossal duct cysts.

Branchial Cleft Cyst

This cyst is a type of neck mass that is usually benign. It is a fluid-filled cyst formed during fetal development along the sides of the neck. Usually detected in childhood, they can become infected or press on nerves and blood vessels. The cyst typically appears between the jaw and collarbone. Antibiotics may be prescribed if infected, followed by surgical removal.

Thyroglossal Duct Cyst

This genetic cyst forms during fetal development and appears as a soft, round lump in the center front of the neck. Usually benign, it can become infected, causing swelling, pain, or fluid drainage through a sinus. Surgery is typically recommended.