Small Movable Lumps in My Neck: Should I Be Concerned?
Hello everyone. I have a question regarding my health: is it common to notice small, soft lumps in the lower region of my neck? These lumps are not painful, they are about the size of a pencil eraser, and they have been present for quite a while. They seem to shift when I press on them. My recent blood tests came back normal, and there hasn’t been any change in their size over time. I’m starting to wonder if these could simply be my lymph nodes or possibly small lipomas. I'm curious whether this condition warrants any concern or if it's just a normal anatomical feature. I can feel only two of these lumps, and they are evenly positioned on both sides of my neck. For a bit of context, I'm a 25-year-old female, weighing 155 pounds and standing at 5'8" tall.
Answers (1)

8/21/2025, 10:03:00 PM
OpenHealth AI
Small, movable lumps in the neck area can often be benign, especially if they are soft, painless, and have not changed in size. These characteristics are commonly associated with lymph nodes, which can enlarge in response to infections or inflammation in the body, or lipomas, which are harmless fatty tumors that can also appear under the skin.
Explanation:
- Lymph Nodes: Even when not inflamed, small, soft lymph nodes can be felt in the neck, and it's normal for them to vary in size slightly. If they remain consistent and asymptomatic, they are often not concerning.
- Lipomas: These are slow-growing, non-cancerous growths of fat tissue. They are usually soft to the touch, movable, and painless.
Given that your blood tests are normal and the lumps have not changed, it suggests that this is likely not a serious issue. However, it's important to be aware and monitor any changes.
Next Steps:
- Monitor the Lumps: Pay attention to any changes in size, number, or sensation over the next few weeks. Make a note of any new symptoms, such as pain, fever, or other unusual signs.
- Self-Examination: Continue gently feeling the lumps periodically to ensure they remain painless and stable in size.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Maintain a healthy diet and ensure regular exercise, which can help your overall wellness.
- Seek Further Assessment if Needed: If you notice any significant changes—such as new lumps appearing, a lump becoming hard, increasing in size, or if you start experiencing other symptoms—consider a more in-depth evaluation.
Stay reassured; many people have similar lumps without any underlying health issues. If anything about your condition makes you feel concerned, trust your instincts—it's okay to seek further information or reassurance.
Related Questions
Understanding Night Sweats
At 31 years old, I've been experiencing night sweats since around February or March. Initially, I suspected that my medication—100 mg of sertraline—was to blame, but I’ve been taking it for over a year, so this sweating is something new. I underwent a series of blood tests, checking for various conditions like lipase, insulin levels, thyroid function, calcitonin, albumin, cholesterol, a comprehensive metabolic panel, and tuberculosis, all of which returned negative or within normal ranges. I also had a celiac test last year, which came back normal. Although my TSH levels were elevated last year, they are now within the expected range. I’ve noticed that whenever I consume gluten, I experience significant bloating and diarrhea, leading me to eliminate it from my diet; however, it often finds its way into items like soy sauce. Could this be connected to my night sweats? I wear an Oura ring that occasionally indicates breathing disturbances during sleep, but my partner claims I've never stopped breathing, adding to the confusion about whether this could indicate sleep apnea or if it's simply an anomaly. Recently, a different doctor suggested that elevated cortisol and stress might be the culprits behind my night sweats, yet my blood tests showed that my cortisol levels are normal. I started to think that perhaps stress was indeed playing a role and tried to move on with my life. However, this morning was particularly challenging; the night sweats reached an intensity I've never experienced before. I woke up drenched, feeling sweat trickling from my skin and pooling around me. Despite keeping the room at a cool 65 degrees and sleeping under a lightweight blanket while wearing only a t-shirt and shorts, the sweating was overwhelming. I am at a loss regarding what further tests might be needed. It feels as though the issue could be stress-related, yet I am an avid marathon runner, exercise regularly, and make an effort to maintain a healthy diet, which makes it hard to believe that my life is particularly stressful. I'm unsure of what steps to take next.
CONCERNS BEYOND SIMPLE ANXIETY
Age 32, female. I have been experiencing intermittent heaviness in my right leg since October 2024, accompanied by weakness in both knees. Comprehensive tests, including EMG, NCV, a plain CT of the brain, a CT angiogram, and an EEG, all returned normal results. Additionally, I have been diagnosed with cervical spondylosis and lordosis. My visit to the emergency room was prompted by a feeling of tightness throughout my body, and my jaw has been noticeably tense, along with my tongue. Basic blood tests, including potassium levels, yielded normal findings. Currently, I continue to experience this tightness multiple times each day. I have also observed that it tends to worsen after meals, notably since I no longer have a gallbladder. On August 26, I have an MRI scheduled for my thoracic spine and lumbosacral region. I am reaching out for insights or thoughts on what might be causing these symptoms. I was recently diagnosed with fibromyalgia prior to the onset of this bodily tension. I was prescribed pregabalin at a dose of 75 mg twice but discontinued it, as I didn't find it beneficial. I am feeling increasingly frustrated with the constant search for a diagnosis as I visit various doctors.
Grayish/Whitish Stool Observation
I’m writing this on behalf of my daughter, who isn’t currently taking any medications. Typically, she doesn’t flush the toilet, giving us a chance to observe her stool. Today, however, I noticed an unusual amount of grayish-white coloration in it. While I'm unable to share photos here, I’ll do my best to include a link in the comments later. She hasn’t expressed any discomfort. When I asked her if she felt okay or experienced any stomach pain, she reassured me that she feels fine. How concerned should we be about this? I'm a little nervous because I've heard that pale-colored stools can indicate issues related to the liver or pancreas.
Addressing Symptoms: Left Nostril Blockage and Abdominal Distress after Eating or Drinking
Greetings everyone, I am a 35-year-old male, weighing 185 pounds and standing at 6'1". Reddit has been a valuable resource for me in uncovering various life mysteries, and I hold hope that I might find clarity regarding this puzzling situation I've been dealing with for over a year. I only began to consume alcohol in my thirties, and it was only last year that I started to gauge my limits. Shortly thereafter, I began experiencing discomfort in my lower right abdomen, along with episodes of hair loss, and the blockage of my left nostril. These symptoms seem to arise unpredictably after I eat, take medicine, or drink any beverages. During the peak of my issues, I found myself in the emergency room due to a droopy eyelid. After undergoing a spinal tap, I developed a significant rash on the right side of my face, which left me struggling to think clearly and articulate my thoughts. Additionally, I've perceived floaters in my vision, noticed a decline in my eyesight, and find myself exhausted even after minimal physical activity. I tested positive for Lyme disease, but many specialists have since deemed those results as questionable. The abdominal discomfort I experience has been distinctly unfitting for Lyme’s usual symptoms. Furthermore, I frequently find blood in my urine, yet there has been no conclusive diagnosis. Unfortunately, medication doesn’t seem to agree with me. I've consulted with various specialists, including allergists, dermatologists, nephrologists, rheumatologists, gastrointestinal experts, infectious disease doctors, functional medicine practitioners, and a Lyme specialist. As of now, no diagnosis has been reached, so I would greatly appreciate any insights or suggestions you may be able to offer. As a side note, a small cyst was discovered in one of my testicles during my medical evaluations.
Post-Cardiac Arrest: Understanding the Complications of Recovery After Psychosis and Brain Injury
Background: A 49-year-old male with a congenital heart condition known as complete heart block has been reliant on a pacemaker since the age of 19, with his device and leads being replaced in 2015. In recent years, he has been inconsistent with regular medical follow-ups, although he continued his cholesterol medication but neglected his blood pressure treatment. Incident Summary: Last Wednesday morning marked a critical event. The exact duration of his cardiac arrest is unknown, but it is estimated to be under five minutes. Emergency services were contacted promptly, leading to around three minutes of CPR before paramedics arrived, who utilized defibrillation twice to restore his pulse. Upon arrival at the hospital, he was intubated and placed under an intensive cooling protocol aimed at safeguarding his brain during his ICU stay. Although a CT scan conducted in the emergency room yielded normal results, multiple EEGs showed no seizure activity. An MRI could not be performed due to his pacemaker and unstable condition while sedated. By Monday, August 18, he was successfully weaned off sedation and extubated. He demonstrated awareness, albeit with some slowness and confusion, expressing gratitude to visitors, eating and drinking normally, and even requesting personal grooming items. Remarkably, he could identify his caregivers and engage in coherent conversations, recalling their names. However, that evening, despite being administered Benadryl and melatonin, he experienced insomnia. On Tuesday, he underwent an angiogram under fentanyl and Versed sedation, which, according to the medical team, had minimal impact on his consciousness. The angiogram revealed no arterial blockages, prompting a decision to transfer him to a facility equipped for advanced cardiac care, where he could receive a complete pacemaker extraction and replacement with a defibrillator. That night, despite receiving Ambien and trazodone, he continued to struggle with sleep. By Wednesday morning, he exhibited signs of hallucination, consistently recognizing his nurses and maintaining conversations without difficulty, but I sensed a gradual decline in his mental state. Following his transfer to the new hospital that evening, we observed him hallucinating once more, though less severely than earlier in the day. He described events that were untrue, indicating further cognitive deterioration. Upon returning the following morning, it was evident he had not consumed food or liquids. A speech therapist assessed him, discovering he could no longer use a straw, a skill he had managed all week. Unusual tongue posturing was also noted. His ability to communicate had deteriorated, and throughout the day, various physicians assessed his awareness of current time, location, birthday, and name, with his responses becoming increasingly incorrect. We consulted with several specialists including his hospitalist, neurologist, speech therapist, dermatologist due to a rash on his fingers, and psychiatrist. An EEG was performed, and he is currently undergoing a CT scan. In a surprising turn of events, his echocardiogram revealed a return to normal cardiac function, but his scheduled surgery might be postponed due to his mental decline. Conclusion: I understand his brain endured a period of oxygen deprivation, yet I am perplexed that he initially appeared stable upon awakening, only to see his condition worsen over the course of four days. If anyone has experience with similar cases, I would appreciate insights into whether this decline can be attributed to brain injury resulting from his cardiac arrest. Does it resonate that his condition would deteriorate as such post-recovery? Medical professionals are contemplating metabolic causes and psychosis, but it seems they are inclined to attribute the developments solely to the cardiac event, without considering the recent progression of his symptoms. Many thanks for taking the time to read this. Your perspectives would be greatly valued.