Have you ever woken up during the night and found a lump at the side of your neck where it joins your shoulder? It is at such a moment you ask yourself whether it could be a sign that something is wrong or just a one-off episode. In this guide, we will look at the common causes of a lump between the neck and shoulder, the warning signs that mean you should see a doctor, and the tests a doctor may use to find out what the lump is. Most of these lumps are harmless, but some need prompt medical attention.

When to Worry About Neck and Shoulder Lumps?

Symptoms and imaging findings must be interpreted in context. A healthcare professional can evaluate the person’s medical history and examination and decide whether further testing is needed; no single symptom or scan finding establishes a diagnosis on its own. See a doctor if a lump grows, feels hard or fixed, or lasts 2 weeks or more.

What are the Common Causes of a Lump between the Neck and Shoulder?

There are diverse causes of which a lump between the neck and shoulder is a sign, and below are some of the most frequent. The neck and shoulder area is a large area of the body that has lots of structures that may develop a lump. The most common causes include:

The most common causes include:

• Muscle knots or tension: These points are commonly called myofascial trigger points. The tender spots are some very tight bands of muscle fibers. They occur most often in the trapezius muscle, which extends over the neck, shoulder, and upper part of the back.
• Swollen lymph nodes: Your lymphatic system has nodes at many places in the body, including the neck and shoulder area. These may enlarge due to infection, inflammation, or other medical conditions.[2]
• Lipomas: These are tumors originating from the adipose tissue; they are mainly benign. A lipoma lump between the neck and shoulder is often spongy, can easily be moved around under the skin, and grows gradually.
• Cysts: These are closed, sac-like structures that can occur in any tissue. One of the common skin lesions is the epidermoid cyst (often called a sebaceous cyst), which is often located in this region.
• Infections: Some forms of skin infections or the formation of abscesses may lead to swelling and lumpiness in that area.
  Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa (the fluid-filled sacs that cushion joints) can result in swelling near the shoulder joint.

Is a Lump in the Neck an Early Sign of Cancer?

A lump in the neck is usually caused by something harmless, such as a swollen lymph node from an infection, but in some cases it can be a sign of cancer. [2] Cancers that can cause a neck lump include lymphoma, head and neck cancer, and thyroid cancer, which usually appears as a lump in the front of the neck rather than the back. [1]

Because of this possibility, any neck lump that doesn’t go away should be checked by a doctor. If the lump is at increased risk of cancer, the doctor may order a CT or MRI scan of the neck with contrast and a fine-needle biopsy, which takes a small sample of cells to find out what the lump is. [1] Finding the cause early gives you the best chance of effective treatment, so if you find a lump in your neck, do not hesitate to see a doctor.

Is a Lump on the Left side of Neck no Pain less Concerning than a Painful one?

Not necessarily. Although innocent-looking lumps may be formed in response to inflammation or infection, the lack of pain does not necessarily mean that the lump is not malignant. Many conditions may present with painless lumps. Here’s what you need to know:

Painless lumps can be caused by:

• Lipomas
• Certain types of cysts
• Some lymph node swellings
• In a few instances, some forms of cancer

This would be especially dangerous if a life-threatening condition causes the lump because some people will not go to the doctor due to the fact that there is no pain.

What are the ways of determining whether a lump is malignant?

Only a doctor can decide whether a lump is cancerous, usually with an examination, imaging, and sometimes a biopsy. Still, certain features raise concern: a lump that keeps growing, feels firm, is fixed in place instead of moving freely under the skin, is larger than about 1.5 centimeters, or has broken or ulcerated skin over it. [1] In adults, a lump that has lasted 2 weeks or more without a clear infection should also be checked. [1]

So if you notice a lump on only one side, or a painless lump on the left side of your neck, it is wise to see your doctor. Anything between the neck and shoulder that is hard, appears suddenly and does not go away within a couple of weeks should be investigated. A wellness body scan is not the right test for a lump you can already feel; your doctor will order the imaging that fits your symptoms.

Conclusion 

If you are interested in proactive health checks, consider reading more about wellness body scans. ViaScan of Las Colinas offers wellness body scans for people without symptoms; contact ViaScan to confirm which scans are currently available. Know what is going on, be aware, and perhaps most of all, regarding a healthy mind and body, be preventive. Health is not something you can buy with money; it is the most precious thing you have in your life.

FAQS

Q. How to tell if a neck lump is serious?

A neck lump may be serious if it persists for 2 weeks or more, grows in size, or is accompanied by symptoms like fever or unexplained weight loss.

Q. What is a red flag for a neck lump?

Red flags include a hard, fixed lump, rapid growth, difficulty swallowing or breathing, and persistent hoarseness.

Q. Do cancerous lumps feel hard or soft?

Cancerous lumps are often hard, painless, and do not move easily, though not all hard lumps are cancerous.

References:

[1] American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery — Neck Mass in Adults: Guideline for Evaluation Provides Framework for Timely Diagnosis (press release and fact sheet).https://www.entnet.org/resource/aao-hnsf-updated-cpg-neck-mass-press-release-fact-sheet/

[2] MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine) — Swollen lymph nodes. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003097.htm