neck lump? should i see a doctor?

Question

so in second grade i found this small lump on the back of my neck on the right side at the hair line. i never told anyone cuz they taught us about cancer like 2 days before that and i got super scared i was going to die. every once and while i'll feel it and think 'i better get it checked out' but always forget. i'm now a freshman in college and wondering if i should worry about it. it never hurts or anything. and it's under the skin. i'm guessing that since i'm still alive and kicking i shouldn't worry about it. should i?

if a swollen gland goes away after about a day then that can't be what this lump is. i've had it since second grade.

Answer 1

Has the lump changed in size? If not after about 10 years, it is most likely a benign fatty tumor. It's not really in the line of any lymph nodes, or other subcutaneous structures.

I wouldn't worry about it. But the next time you go to the doctor for a checkup, mention it. Only your doctor can tell you for sure.

Answer 2

sounds like you have a cyst. I dated a guy in high school years ago that had one on his neck. He had had it forever and it never bothered him. Finally when he went to college and got more educated on health issues, he had it removed and tested it was nothing!! But he says now his neck is more kissable HaHa. Anyway he said if he ever had another lump anywhere on his body he would have it removed since yes, it could be cancer.

Answer 3

If you have had it that long, it is probably harmless.

I wouldn't bother making a special Dr visit for it, but it is probably worth getting Dr to look at it next time you are there.

Answer 4

:D That is a swollen gland. I have had them since I was a baby, generally this means (not to be insulting, just factual) it means that you have bacteria on your body and are dirty. It generally goes down about a day later, and there is nothing to worry about.