hello, I am 30 years old and I have an aprox. golf ball sized lump inside the center of back neck at hairline, it hurts when I move my neck looking up more than anything, I am also  an x-smoker just recently noticed the lump and stopped smoking since. MRI did not show anything and I have CT w/contrast done today would anyone know what it might be, thanks in advance
Hello! Thank you for the query. MRI or CT are usually not necessary to diagnose a lump in such location. Ultrasound is far enough to diagnose it. Such lump can be a sebaceous cyst, lipoma or enlarged lymph node. Cyst or lipoma are benign lesions which do not lead to a cancer and can be removed with small incision. Enlarged lymph node can be caused by some inflammation or a cancer (throat or larynx cancer is usually caused by smoking and can give such symptom). I suggest you to have an ultrasound of this area. In case of lymph node biopsy should be considered. You should also consult palynologist and pulmonologist. Hope this will help. Regards.