Section Editor: Jason Wasserman MD PhD FRCPC
May 23, 2026
The soft tissues of the head and neck include the muscles, fat, blood vessels, connective tissue, and other structures beneath the skin. When a lump or swelling is removed from this area, a pathologist examines it under a microscope and describes what they see in your pathology report.
This page brings together our guides to conditions found in the soft tissues of the head and neck. The articles are grouped by type to help you find the one that matches your diagnosis. Select any article below to learn more.
Cysts of the head and neck
A cyst is a fluid-filled sac. The cysts described here are not cancer. They form from small amounts of tissue left behind as the head and neck develop before birth, and they are usually treated by removing the cyst. The articles explain what each diagnosis means.
A branchial cleft cyst is a noncancerous, fluid-filled sac on the side of the neck. It forms from tissue left over from development before birth. This article explains what this diagnosis means and how it is treated.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions a branchial cleft cyst, or a painless lump on the side of the neck.
A thyroglossal duct cyst is a noncancerous, fluid-filled sac near the middle of the neck. It forms from tissue left over from the early development of the thyroid gland. This article explains what this diagnosis means and how it is treated.
You may find this helpful if your report mentions a thyroglossal duct cyst, or a lump in the middle of the neck that moves when you swallow.
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