Health Q&A: Neck growths, sebaceous cysts, and gallbladder surgery concerns

A painless growth on the neck is most likely a cyst, according to Dr. Philippa Kaye. Cysts are fluid-filled sacs in the skin that are usually soft and smooth. Most neck cysts are sebaceous cysts, which form when hair follicles become blocked. They can appear on the neck, face, scalp, chest and back and are more common in middle-aged women, in part due to hormonal changes around menopause. Contrary to a widespread belief, poor hygiene does not cause sebaceous cysts. In most cases, these cysts do not need to be removed.

Removal may be considered if the cyst becomes infected, painful or restricts neck movement. In those cases the NHS may perform a simple surgical removal. The procedure is typically straightforward and rarely leaves a scar, and in some cases can be performed by a GP with minor-surgery training. Private clinics commonly offer sebaceous cyst removal for about £250–£500 where NHS services are not provided.

People should never squeeze or puncture cysts at home; doing so risks infection and permanent scarring. See a GP if the cyst grows rapidly, becomes hard, is painful or leaks pus; or if it appears in the breast or testicle, or is accompanied by unexplained weight loss, fever or night sweats. While rare, cancer can present as a cyst; if cancer is suspected, the NHS may remove the cyst surgically. Cysts are not the only causes of lumps on the neck. This may reflect swollen or enlarged lymph nodes—glands in the neck, under the arms and in the groin that are a key part of the immune system. They tend to flare with infections such as colds and often shrink on their own. A similar thing can happen to the salivary glands in the neck. Sometimes stones can develop in the salivary glands, triggering lumps. Usually, salivary gland stones pass on their own. Drinking plenty of water and gently massaging around the area can help speed their disappearance. Any new lump in the neck that has been present for more than three weeks should be assessed by a doctor, as a small number of cases may relate to blood cancers such as lymphoma or cancer of the glands.

A separate line of inquiry involves a patient who asked whether gallbladder removal could cause discharge from the back passage. That scenario is unlikely to be connected. The gallbladder stores bile produced by the liver, and removal is common for persistent gallstones. After removal, some people notice looser stools, but discharge from the back passage is not a normal consequence of gallbladder surgery. More often, such discharge points to conditions like hemorrhoids, infections, inflammatory bowel disease or fissures. In rare cases, bloody discharge can signal bowel cancer, particularly if accompanied by abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, or a change in bowel habits. A GP should evaluate these symptoms to diagnose the underlying issue and guide treatment.

In any case, a new lump or unusual discharge warrants medical evaluation. While most neck lumps are benign, timely assessment helps ensure appropriate care and rules out more serious conditions. Likewise, persistent post-surgical symptoms deserve professional review to identify the underlying cause and appropriate management.