Lumps in the neck can arise from the skin and the subcutaneous tissue. Two of the most commonly seen lumps are lipomas and epidermal cysts.
Skin cancers are cancers that arise from the skin. It is usually slowgrowing and of low malignancy. It often appears as a painless raised area of skin which result in non-healing ulceration of the area.
Lipomas are benign tumours composed of adipose (fat) tissue. They are soft, small and usually painless but can enlarge gradually over time. Sometimes the lumps can become troublesome if they enlarge and may need to be removed surgically.
These are benign cysts that arise from the skin. They are usually slow growing and painless. They can however become infected and when this happens the lump may become red, painful and have discharge.
If the lump is troublesome or your doctor feels it is necessary to remove it, you may be advised to undergo an excision biopsy. This is usually done in an operating theatre under local or general anaesthesia and is usually done as a day surgery procedure.
