--- title: "Lump in neck: When to See a GP | HealthAnswers" description: "A neck lump is most often a swollen gland after infection, but a painless lump lasting over two weeks needs GP assessment, especially in smokers." url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/lump-in-neck/ robots: noindex --- # Lump in neck: When to See a GP | HealthAnswers Symptoms A neck lump is most often a swollen gland after infection, but a painless lump lasting over two weeks needs GP assessment, especially in smokers. Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 3 July 2026 ## Quick answer What could lump in neck mean? A lump in the neck is most often a swollen lymph gland reacting to an infection, and these tender lumps usually settle within two weeks. A painless lump that persists for more than two weeks needs GP assessment, particularly in smokers, because it can occasionally be a sign of head and neck cancer. ## Who is this page for? This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Lump in neck, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally. ## Who should skip this page? Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland. On this page 4 sections ## Common causes of lump in neck - Swollen lymph glands reacting to infection are the most common cause of neck lumps. - Thyroid nodules are common and are usually assessed with ultrasound and blood tests. - Glandular fever can cause gland swelling in the neck that lasts longer than usual. - Smoking increases the risk of head and neck cancer. - Suspicious neck lumps are referred on the urgent two-week wait pathway. ## Understanding lumps in the neck A lump in the neck can arise from several structures, including the lymph nodes, the thyroid gland and the salivary glands. How long the lump has been present, and what it looks and feels like, are the main features that guide how urgently it needs to be assessed. ## Common causes of a neck lump The most common causes are reactive lymph nodes, which swell while the body fights an infection, along with thyroid nodules and cysts. Head and neck cancer is a rare cause, but it is an important one, which is why persistent lumps should always be checked. ## Watchful waiting for a neck lump If a lump appears alongside an infection, treating the infection is usually all that is needed, because reactive glands tend to settle as you recover. If the lump has not settled within two weeks, arrange a review with your GP. ## When a neck lump needs specialist referral If a lump has suspicious features, such as being painless, persistent or growing, your GP can refer you on the urgent suspected cancer pathway. An ultrasound scan is commonly used to assess neck lumps and guide any further investigation. ## ! When to get medical help for lump in neck See a GP if a neck lump lasts more than two weeks, or if it is painless and growing. Call **999** or go to A&E if a neck lump is causing difficulty breathing or any airway compromise. Call **111** for urgent advice when you are unsure what to do. ## Common questions about lump in neck Why are the glands in my neck swollen? Lymph glands in the neck swell as they help the body fight infection. These reactive glands are usually tender and typically settle within two weeks as the infection clears. What happens if I find a lump on my thyroid? Thyroid lumps are common and are usually assessed with an ultrasound scan and blood tests to check thyroid function. Your GP can arrange these investigations and refer you if anything needs further assessment. What are the signs that a neck lump could be cancer? Warning signs include a painless lump that persists, hoarseness and unexplained weight loss. The risk is higher in smokers, so these features need prompt GP assessment. Can glandular fever cause a lump in the neck? Yes, glandular fever often causes prolonged swelling of the glands in the neck. You should still see a GP for a review if the swelling is getting worse rather than settling. ## Sources - [NHS — Lumps](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lumps) - [NHS — Swollen Glands](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/swollen-glands)