When we feel sick there is often associated lymph node swelling in the neck. These can feel like small rubbery bumps and can range in size from tiny to near ¾ inch. They can present anywhere from behind the ears and under the jaw to the collarbone. When these are associated with illness, they are often sore and tender and seen on both sides of the neck, though not always symmetrically. They will usually go away within a week or two after feeling better. Some people, however, will always have small firm bumps which are always present.
Some cancers can also present with enlarged lymph nodes in the neck. These, however, usually arise slowly and have been present for months. They are generally not tender and can enlarge to impressive size often 2-3 inches. They are also usually found on only one side of the neck. Cancers of the neck are often associated with tobacco and alcohol abuse, though not exclusively.
If someone has a neck mass that has been present for a prolonged period of time and does not seem to be improving, then a thorough head and neck evaluation should be performed.