Definition – What is a swelling of the lateral neck?
A swelling on the lateral neck usually refers to a more or less pronounced bump, which is located on the neck. Various structures run along the side of the neck: For example, the vessels that supply the head with blood and remove it are located there. In addition, muscle strands stretch along the sides of the neck. Many lymph nodes are located along these muscle strands, which can also be involved in swelling. A swelling on the side of the neck can basically be caused by deep-seated structures as well as superficially, for example by the skin.
Causes of the swelling on the lateral neck
Swelling of the lymph nodes (possible on one or both sides) Inflammation of the salivary glands Inflammation of the tonsils Superficial inflammation on or directly under the skin (e.g. abscess) Mastoiditis (inflammation of the mastoid) Neck cyst, neck fistula Tissue formation Lipoma Tumor
- Swelling of lymph nodes (unilateral and bilateral possible)
- Inflammation of salivary glands Inflammation of the tonsils Superficial inflammation on or just under the skin (e.g. abscess) Mastoiditis (inflammation of the mastoid)
- Salivary gland inflammation
- Tonsillitis
- Superficial inflammation on or directly under the skin (e.g.
abscess)
- Mastoiditis (inflammation of the mastoid)
- Neck cyst, neck fistula
- Tissue formation Lipoma tumor
- Lipoma
- Tumor
- Salivary gland inflammation
- Tonsillitis
- Superficial inflammation on or directly under the skin (e.g. abscess)
- Mastoiditis (inflammation of the mastoid)
- Lipoma
- Tumor
On the side of the neck there are many lymphatic channels, which are equipped with a corresponding number of filter stations, the lymph nodes. The lymph nodes are located mainly in front of and behind the superficial sternocleidomastoid muscle (large neck turner). Therefore, swellings often develop there when lymph node swelling occurs.
The swelling is often a sign of a systemic infection of the body. The lymph nodes play an important role in our immune system and are therefore particularly challenged during infections, which is why they swell in infectious diseases. However, the lymph nodes can also swell in malignant diseases such as tumors or HIV.
Often, only a few lymph nodes are affected, and these swell particularly prominently. An abscess is an accumulation of pus, which is usually located under the skin. Classically, an inflammatory stimulus leads to the formation of many inflammatory cells.
The body tries to fight the inflammation with these cells. If this does not succeed completely, an accumulation of pus develops, which forms a small cavity in the tissue. This cavity filled with pus is called an abscess.
Such an abscess can originate from superficial inflammation of the skin on the side of the neck and from there it can penetrate deeper into the tissue. On the other hand, an inflammation that originates in deeper tissue layers is also possible. In these cases, the swelling is only impressive when the abscess has already grown somewhat larger.
A cyst classically refers to a fluid-filled space, which is characterized by a tissue capsule. The exact cause of the cervical cyst has not yet been definitively clarified, but it is suspected that there is an abnormality in the embryonic development which promotes the formation of the cervical cyst. If the cyst lies on the side, it is called a lateral cyst, which causes a swelling on the side of the neck.
However, there are also median neck cysts. The lateral cyst of the neck cannot be treated as the cause. A puncture of the cyst with a fine needle is usually performed for diagnostic purposes, as it allows the fluid to be analyzed.
However, it is usually not suitable for therapeutic purposes, since the cyst refills itself even after removing the fluid it contains. The neck fistula represents the next stage of the neck cyst. Again, the exact reason for its development is not known.
However, the fistula usually develops because the previously closed neck cyst forms a connection to another fluid-filled space or cavity. The fistula typically refers to the connection between these two spaces. A fistula can be an inner fistula (connection to an internal organ) or an outer fistula (opening to the skin).The mastoid is a bony mastoid process of the temporal bone and lies slightly behind and below the ear.
Mastoiditis refers to the inflammation of this part of the bone. Typically, mastoiditis develops as a result of a poorly healing inflammation of the middle ear. There is a swelling on the side of the neck, slightly behind the ear.
Ear pain and a deterioration in hearing can also occur. In severe mastoiditis, there is no local inflammatory reaction, and the body may also react with fever. Dangerous complications of mastoiditis occur when the inflammatory reaction makes its way through the thin bone to the brain.
This leads to an inflammation of the meninges (meningitis) and can have serious consequences. Salivary glands are glands that belong to the digestive tract. They contain various enzymes that help digest food.
Most salivary glands are located at the very beginning of the digestive tract and have their excretory ducts in the oral cavity. One salivary gland is located directly under the tongue (sublingual), one is located on the lower jaw (submandibular) and one is located in front of the ear (Glandula parotis). Especially the lower jaw and the parotid gland can make swellings at the side of the neck in case of an inflammation.
Such an inflammation typically results from a blockage in the excretory ducts, often caused by salivary stones, more rarely by tumors. A lipoma is a benign new formation of fatty tissue. It can occur anywhere on the body and initially causes no symptoms.
However, above a certain size, a swelling is noticeable at the affected area. If such a lipoma is located on the side of the neck, a one-sided swelling of the neck occurs. The lipoma does not need to be treated at first because it is benign.
However, it can quickly become a problem, especially in the neck, due to its size. The swelling can press on the important blood vessels in the neck and thus cause complications. Therefore, surgical removal of the lipoma is usually indicated due to the expected complications or for aesthetic reasons.
In purulent tonsillitis, inflammation of the pharyngeal tonsils is usually due to a bacterial infection in the pharyngeal cavity. This inflammation is accompanied by severe swelling and redness of the tonsils. Typically, swallowing is particularly painful in the case of tonsillitis.
If the swelling is particularly pronounced due to the inflammation, the swelling may also be visible from the outside. In this case, swelling occurs on both sides of the neck. In most cases this swelling is also painful under pressure.
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