ABSTRACT
The most common cause of a neck lump is cervical lymphadenopathy. However, in clinical exams the most likely case students will encounter is a thyroid goitre. There are other miscellaneous lumps that could come up but are less likely. Neck lumps are common, and although in some cases they may represent a more serious disease process, most of the time they are benign. The duration of time the neck lump has been present is important, as most inflammatory lumps will disappear within a few weeks, whereas a persistent lump will require referral to an ENT surgeon. Thyroid disease is the second-most common endocrine disorder, and disorders of thyroid function are seen more commonly in women in comparison to men. The thyroid gland lies 2 cm inferior to the crest of the thyroid cartilage in the anterior part of the neck.
