Swellings of the neck often are harmless and passing, such as lymph node swellings in inflammations during a cold, or a bacterial inflammation of the upper respiratory system. Neck swellings that remain persistent over months or grow have to be examined by a specialist. Next to palpation of the neck soft tissues, the mirror examination of the neck organs, and blood tests, ultrasound examination of the neck soft tissues has been established as a cheap and reliable examination procedure without the radiation-exposure of an X-ray for many years. If required, ultrasound-guided tissue sample (needle aspiration biopsy, the same pain as in blood sampling) can be taken in practice as well.
Patient with benign and large neck cyst
Source: Praxis Dr. Eberle