There are a vast number of causes for neck lumps and the investigation and work-up will be determined by the position and presenting features of the lump. Common lumps in the neck include lumps from lymph nodes within the neck that can be enlarged due to infection, tumours including some type of cancer. Lumps also occur in the thyroid gland and salivary gland. It is common to have lymph node enlarged with an infection such as virus or tonsillitis but usually these lumps will settle as your other symptoms improve. Any progressive lump, particularly if it is painless, should be investigated.