Lumps that appear on the body, whether in the neck or behind the ear, can be caused by various causes, ranging from benign skin conditions such as acne to more serious problems such as tumors. Understanding the possible causes of their appearance is crucial for timely intervention and appropriate management.

Here are the most common reasons for the appearance of these lumps:

Infections: Lumps in the neck or behind the ear may result from a viral or bacterial infection. Conditions such as ear or sinus infections, dental infections, sore throat, mumps, or goiter can cause lumps to appear in the neck. The infection usually resolves once the underlying cause is treated.

Noncancerous or cancerous tumors: Neck lumps can also arise from benign or malignant tumors. Common malignancies include head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), lymphoma, thyroid cancer, salivary gland cancer, and melanoma. Benign tumors such as lipomas and cysts are usually painless but may require medical attention if they become infected or cause discomfort.