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Had Breast Cancer. On Antibiotic. Noticed Swelling And Lumps Between Collarbone And Neck. Cancer?
Question: Hi,
i had breast cancer 4 years ago, regular check up has shown that my cancer is in remission and there is no changes in my recent mammogram. although i had a bad winter with a flu that i couldn't shake - been on 2 courses of antibiotics, the last of which i finished 3 days ago. now i noticed swelling and small lumps between my collar bone and neck on the left side and have a very soar throat, uncomfortable to swallow. the muscles in my shoulders has also been painful. could this be cancer?
i had breast cancer 4 years ago, regular check up has shown that my cancer is in remission and there is no changes in my recent mammogram. although i had a bad winter with a flu that i couldn't shake - been on 2 courses of antibiotics, the last of which i finished 3 days ago. now i noticed swelling and small lumps between my collar bone and neck on the left side and have a very soar throat, uncomfortable to swallow. the muscles in my shoulders has also been painful. could this be cancer?
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The small lumps between the collar bone and the neck are likely to be due to enlarged lymph nodes due to the flu you recently had and the sore throat you are having.
This is not likely to be due to cancer specially when you are in the remission phase and your mammogram is not suggestive of any changes.
You can take the appropriate antibiotic for the sore throat after consulting your physician. This lymph node swellings and your symptoms are likely to subside in 2-3 weeks.
Hope this answers your query. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.
Thanks for posting your query.
The small lumps between the collar bone and the neck are likely to be due to enlarged lymph nodes due to the flu you recently had and the sore throat you are having.
This is not likely to be due to cancer specially when you are in the remission phase and your mammogram is not suggestive of any changes.
You can take the appropriate antibiotic for the sore throat after consulting your physician. This lymph node swellings and your symptoms are likely to subside in 2-3 weeks.
Hope this answers your query. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have.
Please accept my answer in case you do not have further queries.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Rakhi Tayal.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
the small lumps has now turned into on big lump and my throat has worsen over night, i am coughing and finding it difficult to swallow. any suggestions how to treat this until i see my gp? also what should i look out for when it comes to reccurance of my breast cancer? is it more likely to return in my breast?
Hello.
Thanks for writing again.
Since the lump has increased in size with worsening of couygh, it is even more suggestive of an inflammatory lymph node enlargement.
I suggest the following treatment options currently:
1) For pain relief, anti-inflammatory, fever reducing medications (acetaminophen, ibuprofen) will help you.
2) For sore throat relief you can have salt water gargles (gargle with XXXXXXX warm salt water- one forth teaspoon of salt would be enough in half a cup of water) several times a day, lozenges and warm liquids. Gargling with warm water mixed with dissolvable aspirin can give additional benefits.
3) Avoid Acidic Drinks, Spicy Food and Sour Substances.
4) Consume plenty of water and good fruits and vegetables.
Antibiotics - broad spectrum are a must if you worsen - develop high grade fever, severe pain while swallowing and so on. So seek prompt medical help as and when required. Proper antibiotic therapy will help you in faster recovery.
If the nodes are due to breast cancer, there will be reappearance of breast lumps and an FNAC of the lymph node will be confirmatory if the nodes are persistent after the sore throat subsides.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.
Thanks for writing again.
Since the lump has increased in size with worsening of couygh, it is even more suggestive of an inflammatory lymph node enlargement.
I suggest the following treatment options currently:
1) For pain relief, anti-inflammatory, fever reducing medications (acetaminophen, ibuprofen) will help you.
2) For sore throat relief you can have salt water gargles (gargle with XXXXXXX warm salt water- one forth teaspoon of salt would be enough in half a cup of water) several times a day, lozenges and warm liquids. Gargling with warm water mixed with dissolvable aspirin can give additional benefits.
3) Avoid Acidic Drinks, Spicy Food and Sour Substances.
4) Consume plenty of water and good fruits and vegetables.
Antibiotics - broad spectrum are a must if you worsen - develop high grade fever, severe pain while swallowing and so on. So seek prompt medical help as and when required. Proper antibiotic therapy will help you in faster recovery.
If the nodes are due to breast cancer, there will be reappearance of breast lumps and an FNAC of the lymph node will be confirmatory if the nodes are persistent after the sore throat subsides.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Do accept my answer in case there are no further queries.
Regards.
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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