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Published on: 7/21/2026
What are the potential causes of a lump on the back of the neck?
A lump on the back of the neck is a swelling or bump that can appear just under the skin or deeper in the tissue. Common causes include:
- Swollen lymph nodes from infections like colds, ear infections, or strep throat
- Sebaceous or epidermoid cysts, which are typically harmless, fluid-filled sacs
- Lipomas, soft, benign fatty growths under the skin
- Skin abscesses or boils caused by bacterial infections
- Tumors, which in rare cases may be cancerous
While many lumps are harmless, some may signal an underlying condition that needs attention. If your lump is growing, painful, hard, or accompanied by fever, weight loss, or night sweats, seek medical care promptly.
Not sure what's causing your lump? The fastest way to understand your symptoms and know what to do next is to take a free, instant, AI-powered symptom check. In just a few minutes, you'll get personalized insights about possible causes and clear guidance on whether to see a doctor—no sign-up, no cost, and completely private. Taking a moment now can save you hours of worry and help you take the right next step with confidence.
Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/20/2026
Important Next Steps
Explanation
A lump on the back of the neck can occur for several reasons. It may be due to infections that cause swollen lymph nodes. These are often tender and can occur when you have a cold or sore throat. Another cause could be cysts, which are non-cancerous and feel like soft, movable bumps under the skin.
Sometimes, lumps can be tumors, which could be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). It's important to have a healthcare professional examine the lump to determine what it is and if any treatment is needed. Imaging tests, like an ultrasound or MRI, can help doctors see what the lump looks like inside your body.
If you notice a lump, especially if it grows, hurts, or doesn't go away, make sure to talk to a doctor. To better understand your symptoms before your appointment, you can use Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker to get personalized insights about what might be causing your lump. Remember, only a healthcare professional can provide a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
(References)
Ammar MI, Oeppen RS, Bowles C, & Brennan PA. (2017). Hard neck lumps: a review of uncommon and sometimes .... The British journal of oral & maxillofacial surgery, 28843971.
Eskey CJ, Robson CD, & Weber AL. (2000). Imaging of benign and malignant soft tissue tumors of the .... Radiologic clinics of North America, 11054971.
Pynnonen MA, Gillespie MB, Roman B, Rosenfeld RM, Tunkel DE, Bontempo L, et al. (2017). Clinical Practice Guideline: Evaluation of the Neck Mass in .... Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 28891406.
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