[Lump on the neck of an adult]

Most neck lumps in adults are benign. The alteration can, however, be the initial symptom of a malignant disease, and any lumps should therefore be inspected without delay. Initial investigations can be performed on an outpatient basis, whereas for further examinations the patient should be referred to a unit specialized in the treatment of head and neck tumors. The diagnosis should always be confirmed before devising a treatment plan. Ultrasonic imaging and microscopy of a fine needle sample constitute the first-line investigations. Open biopsy will hamper the further treatment of the tumor and comes into question only in special cases.