Neck Lumps in Children
(Neck Masses)
You or your child may notice a lump on your child’s neck. You may only be able to feel it, but sometimes you can see it too. If it isn't painful, it usually goes away quickly, even before you see a doctor.
What causes a neck lump?
The most common cause of neck lumps is:
Lymph nodes are small clumps of tissue that are part of the lymphatic system and help fight off infections. You usually don’t notice lymph nodes unless they’re swollen. People sometimes call these "swollen glands," but lymph nodes aren't glands.
Common causes of swollen lymph nodes include:
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Throat infection (most common)
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Mono (in older children and adolescents)
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HIV or tuberculosis (TB) infection (rare)
Less common causes of neck lumps are:
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A cyst (a fluid-filled sac)
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Swelling in the glands under the tongue that make saliva
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A cancer such as lymphoma, leukemia, or thyroid cancer (cancer is rare in children)
