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Neck lump - Management
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How should I manage a lump in the skin of the neck?
- If the lump has any concerning features (for example dark colour suggestive of melanoma, ulceration, skin fixation, bleeding, or hard texture), refer urgently to an appropriate specialist. This may be to: a dermatologist; an ear, nose, and throat specialist; a plastic surgeon; or a head and neck surgeon, depending on the nature of the lump and local service provision.
- If a confident diagnosis of a benign lump is made (such as a lipoma or sebaceous cyst), reassure the person. Referral may be required if a surgical excision is considered (for example for a sebaceous cyst that becomes recurrently infected).
- If infection is present, manage appropriately. See the CKS topic on Boils and paronychia.
- If in doubt about the diagnosis or treatment of a neck lump which appears to be related to the skin, refer to a neck lump clinic or ear, nose, and throat specialist.
Basis for recommendation
CKS found no guidelines on the management of lumps in the skin of the neck, therefore this recommendation is based on what is considered to be good clinical practice and opinion from CKS expert reviewers.
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