The sudden appearance of a lump between your neck and shoulder can be alarming. However, it’s important to understand potential causes and when to seek medical advice.
Such lumps can be due to various reasons, including benign growths like lipomas, cysts, lymph nodes, and trauma. While not all lumps are cancerous, a healthcare professional should evaluate the appearance of new lumps and sudden changes.
Here, we’ll explore the possible causes of a sudden lump between the neck and shoulder, including how to assess the lump's characteristics and, if necessary, further tests that can help determine its nature.
Understanding the significance of these lumps and seeking timely medical consultation is crucial for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
Common Causes of a Sudden Lump Between Your Neck and Shoulder
When encountering a sudden lump between the neck and shoulder, it's important to consider common causes such as swollen lymph nodes, cysts like sebaceous or epidermoid cysts, and benign tumours like lipomas.
Lymph nodes, which are integral to the immune system, often swell in response to infection or, in rare cases, lymphoma (a type of blood cancer)1. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs arising from hair follicles or skin glands, while lipomas are soft tissue growths2,3. These conditions are usually benign. However, a persistent or changing lump warrants medical advice.
Abscesses
Lumps that result from infections are typically caused by the body's immune response to a pathogen, such as bacteria or viruses. These lumps, often called abscesses, are filled with pus, a mixture of white blood cells, dead tissue, and bacteria or other foreign substances4.
Abscesses can feel tender and warm, and may appear red and swollen. Infections can also lead to swollen lymph nodes, which are lumps that can be felt under the skin, particularly in areas like the neck, armpits, and groin5. It's important to treat these infectious lumps promptly to prevent the spread of infection and to alleviate discomfort.
Nodules
Nodules may refer to lumps from distinct conditions originating from the thyroid or rheumatoid disorders. Thyroid nodules are lumps that commonly form within the thyroid gland in the neck6. While most are benign and don't cause symptoms, some can lead to hormonal imbalances or indicate thyroid cancer symptoms.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), in particular, can cause the formation of nodules. These nodules, often called lupus pernio or rheumatoid nodules, typically develop in patients with more severe disease7,8.
Trauma
Trauma can be a reason for the sudden appearance of a lump between the neck and shoulder. When the area experiences an impact or injury, it can lead to the formation of a haematoma, a collection of blood outside of blood vessels, causing a lump.
This lump may initially be soft and tender, becoming firmer as the blood clots. It's essential to monitor such lumps for changes in size, colour, and pain level. In some cases, trauma might also lead to muscle knots or swelling in the soft tissue, presenting as a lump. If the lump doesn't resolve or worsens, it's best to seek medical advice for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Cysts
Ganglion cysts are filled with jelly-like fluid and vary in size9. They are usually round or oval and might feel firm or spongy. These types of cysts can form at the back of the neck and around joints near the shoulder joint or shoulder blade. They are known to cause pain, especially if they press on a nerve, and their size can fluctuate. They often occur without a known cause, but repetitive strain or injury might play a role. Treatment options range from observation to aspiration (draining the cyst) or surgery, depending on the size, pain, and interference with joint movement.
Another type of cyst is a sebaceous cyst, which forms from blocked hair follicles or the outer layer of skin, called the epidermis10.
For lumps that are hard, immovable, or accompanied by symptoms like unintentional weight loss, night sweats, or difficulty swallowing, a more serious concern, like cancerous lumps, could be indicated11. These symptoms necessitate immediate medical advice.
Lipomas
Lipomas are non-cancerous tumours composed of soft tissue. They typically manifest as a lump beneath the skin and are usually painless, soft, and movable when touched12. Lipomas are the most common form of soft tissue tumour and can appear anywhere on the body, including between the neck and shoulder.
Lipomas are generally slow-growing and may not require treatment unless they become bothersome or painful. In such cases, options like surgical removal or liposuction can be considered. It's important to note that while lipomas are benign, any new lump should be evaluated by a doctor to ensure an accurate diagnosis.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
An inflamed or swollen lymph node can often be the reason for a sudden lump between the neck and shoulder. Since lymph nodes are part of the immune system, they can become enlarged due to infections or, in rare cases, certain types of cancer like lymphoma or leukaemia13.
Swollen lymph nodes are generally a sign that your body is fighting off an infection, with additional symptoms like sore throat, fever, and other signs of infection. In cases where lymph nodes remain enlarged without a clear cause or are hard and immovable with lymph node cancer symptoms like weight loss and night sweats, it's crucial to seek medical advice to rule out serious underlying conditions.
Cancerous Lumps
Cancerous lumps between the neck and shoulder, excluding swollen lymph nodes, can arise from various tissues in this region. These lumps are often hard, immovable, and might grow rapidly14. Unlike benign lumps like lipomas, cancerous lumps are typically more rigid and fixed to the underlying structures. They might not cause pain initially, which can delay diagnosis.
The presence of a cancerous lump could indicate malignancies in the soft tissues, such as skin cancer or cancer of deeper structures like the thyroid gland or salivary glands. A healthcare professional should evaluate any persistent or unusual lump to provide an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
When to Seek Medical Attention for a Sudden Lump Between Neck and Shoulder
Knowing when to worry about a lump under the skin is key. While many lumps are benign, it's important to know the signs that may indicate a more serious condition. Always seek medical attention if the lump persists, grows rapidly, is hard or immovable, or if it's accompanied by pain, fever, or other ongoing symptoms like unexplained weight loss, difficulty swallowing, or night sweats.
A healthcare provider may use tests like X-rays, CT scans, or a biopsy, especially if there's suspicion of a cancerous lump, including conditions like sarcoma, carcinoma, or thyroid cancer.
Treatment options vary, from simple compresses and anti-inflammatory medications for minor conditions to surgical removal or specialised treatments for cancerous growths. Understanding the type of lump, whether it's a hard lump, a cystic growth near the collarbone, or a nodule related to the thyroid gland, is essential in determining the appropriate course of action.
Early Detection Is Key
If you have discovered a sudden lump between your neck and shoulder, be sure to seek medical attention, especially if it persists. However, if you’re asymptomatic, consider a screening MRI, as early detection of health issues can improve your prognosis.
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References
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2. Cysts – epidermoid and pilar. Accessed November 5, 2025. https://www.bad.org.uk/pils/cysts-epidermoid-and-pilar
3. Lipoma. nhs.uk. October 18, 2017. Accessed November 5, 2025. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lipoma/
4. Abscess incision and drainage – Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. November 3, 2025. Accessed November 5, 2025. https://www.bradfordhospitals.nhs.uk/patients-and-visitors/patient-information/abscess-incision-and-drainage/
5. How to check your lymph nodes. Cambridge University Hospitals. Accessed November 5, 2025. https://www.cuh.nhs.uk/our-services/dermatology/skin-cancer-service/how-to-check-your-lymph-nodes/
6. Zamora EA, Khare S, Cassaro S. Thyroid Nodule. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2025. Accessed November 5, 2025. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK535422/
7. Wada TT, Sato K, Mimura T. A case of systemic lupus erythematosus with multiple nodules in the bilateral lungs and vertebrae. Eur J Rheumatol. 2016;3(1):38-40. doi:10.5152/eurjrheum.2015.0026
8. Schofield JK, Cerio R, Grice K. Systemic lupus erythematosus presenting with “rheumatoid nodules.” Clin Exp Dermatol. 1992;17(1):53-55. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2230.1992.tb02536.x
9. Ganglion cyst - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic. Accessed November 5, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ganglion-cyst/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351160
10. Epidermoid cysts - Diagnosis and treatment - Mayo Clinic. Accessed November 5, 2025. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/epidermoid-cysts/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352706
11. Signs and symptoms of cancer. Cancer Research UK. March 17, 2015. Accessed November 5, 2025. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-symptoms
12. Lipoma. Accessed November 5, 2025. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/other-conditions/lipoma
13. Spotting the difference: Swollen lymph nodes in leukaemia VS during an infection. Leukaemia Care. Accessed November 5, 2025. https://www.leukaemiacare.org.uk/support-and-information/latest-from-leukaemia-care/blog/spotting-the-difference-swollen-lymph-nodes-in-leukaemia-vs-during-an-infection/
14. Benign and malignant tumours and how cancers grow. Cancer Research UK. October 28, 2014. Accessed November 5, 2025. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/what-is-cancer/how-cancers-grow
