Neck lumps

The commonest lump found in the neck is an enlarged lymph gland, which is surprisingly common in children between the ages of 3-10 years, particularly following an infection in the head and neck area. In most cases, the gland measures < 1cm and is soft. Larger glands, especially those that feel quite firm, may be indicative of a more sinister pathology like tuberculosis or malignancy.

Other lumps in the neck include branchial cysts or lymphangioma, which are typically found on one side of the neck. Midline neck lumps could represent dermoid cysts or thyroglossal cysts. All the lumps mentioned in this paragraph need surgery, except lymphangiomas which may respond to injection of sclerosants.