Most lumps on the back of the neck harmless and could heal or go away on their own. However, does not mean that you can take the lump lightly, because sometimes the appearance of a lump on the back of the neck can be caused by a dangerous disease.
The skin on the back of the neck or the nape of the neck often sweats, is exposed to hair care products, and rubs against hair and clothes. These things can cause irritation of the skin on the back of the neck, causing a lump to appear.
Even so, there are many other conditions that can also cause lumps on the back of the neck, ranging from ulcers to cancer.
Some Causes of Lumps in the Neck Behind
Lump on the back of the neck can be caused by the following conditions:
1. Pembesuggestion lymph gland
Enlarged lymph nodes are generally harmless. Lymph nodes at the back of the neck can enlarge when the body is fighting a viral or bacterial infection, for example from strep throat, ear infections, tooth infections, and wounds or scalp infections.
If the infection is cured, the lymph nodes will usually shrink back to their original size. However, sometimes enlarged lymph nodes can also be caused by a more serious disease, such as HIV, autoimmune disorders, or cancer.
2. Sebaceous cyst
Sebaceous cysts are a type of cyst that forms in damaged or blocked skin oil glands. This gland functions to secrete sebum, which is the skin's natural oil that can prevent the growth of germs on the skin, and keep skin and hair moist.
Lumps on the back of the neck that appear as a result of this condition are generally harmless. However, sometimes a lump on the back of the neck due to a sebaceous cyst can be large. If this is the case, usually the doctor will suggest surgery to remove the lump.
3. Ingrown hair
Ingrown hairs can cause a pimple-like lump around the back of the neck to appear. The bumps usually appear along the hairline. This condition can heal on its own without any treatment.
However, to avoid infection of the hair follicles or folliculitis, it is advisable not to squeeze the lump or pull out ingrown hairs.
4. Boils
Boils often appear in areas of hair that are exposed to a lot of sweat and friction , for example on the back of the neck .
To dry and treat small boils, you can use a warm compress. However, if a lump on the back of the neck appears due to a large and painful boil, you should consult a doctor for treatment.
5. Benign tumors
Benign tumors can cause lumps to appear in certain parts of the body, including the back of the neck. These benign tumors are usually caused by lipomas, which are lumps of fat; or neurofibroma, which is a benign tumor on nerve tissue.
Lumps due to lipomas and neurofibromas are generally painless and feel soft and supple. The size can also vary, some are small, some can grow up to more than 5 cm.
In addition to lipomas, benign tumors in the back of the neck are also sometimes caused by other types of benign tumors, namely fibromas. This fibroma will feel hard to the touch and is more common in people who have diabetes.
Lumps on the back of the neck due to benign tumors are usually harmless. However, if the lump is painful, numb, or unobtrusive, doctors can remove it surgically.
6. Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a cancerous growth that originates from lymphocyte cells, which is a type of white blood cell that fights infection. Lymphoma is divided into two types, namely Hodgkin's lymphoma and on-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
This lymphoma can cause several symptoms, such as lumps appearing in certain parts of the body, fever, sweating a lot at night, fatigue, itchy skin and rashes, weight loss, and bone pain.
7. Sindromg Cushing
Cushing's syndrome is a disease caused by a prolonged increase in the hormone cortisol. Cushing's syndrome can be caused by a number of things, but the most common cause is long-term use of corticosteroid medications.
This disease can cause several symptoms, such as increased weight and blood pressure, the appearance of lumps on the back of the neck due to the accumulation of fatty tissue on the face and upper back, the skin looks reddish or purplish, and stretch marks appear on the abdomen, chest, and thighs.
Lump Treatment on Back of Neck
Lump on the back of the neck can be caused by many things. Therefore, this condition needs to be checked by a doctor.
To determine the cause of the lump, the doctor will perform a physical examination and supporting examinations, such as blood tests, X-rays, ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI of the head and neck. In addition, the doctor may also perform a biopsy to determine whether the lump is caused by cancer or not.
After the cause of the lump in the back of the neck is known, the doctor will determine the appropriate treatment, including:
1. Prescribing o drugs
Doctors can prescribe antibiotics if the lumps that appear on the back of the neck are caused by a bacterial infection on the skin, such as boils or folliculitis .
To treat a lump in the neck caused by Cushing's syndrome, your doctor may stop corticosteroid treatment and give you drugs to reduce the hormone cortisol.
2. Operation
If the lump on the back of the neck is large or is disturbing appearance, the doctor can perform surgery to remove the lump. In addition, surgery will also be performed to remove lumps caused by tumors or cancer.
3. Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is done if the appearance of a lump on the back of the neck is caused by a tumor or cancer. This treatment method aims to suppress the growth of cancer cells and prevent them from spreading to other organs.
Lumps on the back of the neck or along the hairline are generally harmless and are not a serious condition. However, you are advised to consult a doctor if the lump that appears on the back of the neck grows rapidly, does not shrink in 2-4 weeks, is accompanied by fever, or is accompanied by weight loss for no apparent reason.