Neck Swelling

NECK SWELLING

Neck swelling is an accumulation of fluid in the neck tissues or inflammation in the neck. Neck inflammation can arise from an infection, injury, or a recent medical procedure. Swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck is a common symptom of many different types of viral and bacterial infections.

Skin symptoms that may occur along with neck swelling

Neck swelling may accompany other symptoms that vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder, or condition. Neck swelling may accompany other symptoms affecting the skin including:

• Bleeding or bruising
• Dry, itchy, or oily skin
• Rash
• Red or pink bumps
• Redness or warmth

Other symptoms that may occur along with neck swelling

Neck swelling may accompany symptoms related to other body systems including:

Difficulty chewing

• Difficulty swallowing
• Difficulty speaking
• Pain with swallowing or movement of the neck
• Raised lumps under the skin of the neck
• Sore throat

Serious symptoms that might indicate a life-threatening condition

In some cases, neck swelling may be a symptom of a life-threatening condition that should be immediately evaluated in an emergency setting.

What other symptoms might occur with neck swelling?

Neck swelling may accompany other symptoms that vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition.

Skin symptoms that may occur along with neck swelling

Neck swelling may accompany other symptoms affecting the skin including:

• Bleeding or bruising
• Dry, itchy or oily skin
• Rash
• Red or pink bumps
• Redness or warmth

Where neck lumps come from?

A lump in the neck can be hard or soft, tender or non-tender. Lumps can be located in or under the skin, as in a sebaceous cyst, cystic acne, or lipoma. A lipoma is a benign fatty growth. A lump may also come from tissues and organs within your neck. There are many places neck lumps can originate, including:

• The lymph nodes
• The thyroid gland
• Parathyroid glands, which are four small glands located behind the thyroid gland
• Recurrent laryngeal nerves, which enable movement of the vocal cords
• Neck muscles
• The trachea, or windpipe
• The larynx, or voice box
• Cervical vertebrae
• Nerves of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system
• The brachial plexus, which is a series of nerves that supply your upper limbs and trapezius muscle
• Salivary glands
• Various arteries and veins

Common underlying causes of neck lumps

An enlarged lymph node is the most common cause of a neck lump. Lymph nodes contain cells that help your body fight off infections and attack malignant cells or cancer. When you’re sick, your lymph nodes can become enlarged to help fight the infection. Other common causes of enlarged lymph nodes include:

• ear infections
• sinus infections
• tonsillitis
• strep throat
• dental infections
• bacterial infections of the scalp

There are other illnesses that can cause a neck lump:

• Autoimmune diseases, cancer, and other disorders of the thyroid gland, iodine deficiency can cause enlargement of part or all of your thyroid gland.
• Viruses, such as mumps, can make your salivary glands enlarged.
• Injury or torticollis can cause a lump in your neck muscles.

What are swollen lymph nodes?

The lymph nodes collect and filter fluids, waste materials, and harmful germs. The human body has hundreds of lymph nodes. The main lymph nodes that people may see or feel are found:

• Under the jaw
• On each side of the neck
• Under the armpits
• Either side of the groin ( the groin (the adjective is inguinal, as in inguinal canal) is the junctional area (also known as the inguinal region) between the abdomen and the thigh on either side of the pubic bone. … A pulled groin muscle usually refers to a painful injury sustained by straining the hip adductor muscles.)

Neck swelling may be caused by a variety of skin conditions including:

• Acne
• Benign growths
• Boil
• A cyst (a benign sac that contains fluid, air, or other materials)
• Lipoma (benign fatty growth)
• Skin infection