question-icon

Suggest Remedy For Stiffness And Lump On The Side Of Neck

default
Posted on Tue, 11 Aug 2015
Question: on 7/6 a lump appeared on the right side of my neck. symptoms start the day or two before as a stiff neck. This was very painful. Dr. prescribed Prednizon 20mg for 5 days & Clindamycin300mg plus a CT scan. The CT scan results indicated either an infected lymph node or a most likely type 2 Branchial Cleft cyst. My question is when I stop the Prednizone the swelling returns albeit w/o any pain other than difficulty swallowing. The Dr. has me on the antibiotics for another 2 wks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Monitoring with antibiotics and follow up FNAC testing might help

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in in to us.

I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.

1. The CT scan report gives us information about the probable origin and nature of the problem. The appearance is likely to be that of an infected lymph node or an infected second branchial cleft cyst.

2. Often it is filled with mucoid material which is thick and develops pain when infected. A lymph node might also be seen at the same location.

3. Infection of a lymph node and second branchial cleft cyst might cause sudden onset pain which might respond to treatment with antibiotic like clindamycin.

4. Prednizon is prednisolone which is a steroid and due to its anti inflammatory nature, the pain and inflammation decreases after taking this medicine.

5. It is suggested to do a FNAC test if your condition does not show improvement after taking clindamycin as recommended, FNAC is fine needle aspiration cytology which is a needle aspiration test and some cells from the lump will be aspirated and looked at under the microscope to establish the pathological diagnosis. Confirmation of diagnosis is important if there is no expected result after giving a short course of antibiotics.

6. You might take over the counter pain relief to be able to swallow without difficulty.

Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.

Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Vivek Chail

Radiologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 6874 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Remedy For Stiffness And Lump On The Side Of Neck

Brief Answer: Monitoring with antibiotics and follow up FNAC testing might help Detailed Answer: Hi XXXX, Thanks for writing in in to us. I have read through your query in detail. Please find my observations below. 1. The CT scan report gives us information about the probable origin and nature of the problem. The appearance is likely to be that of an infected lymph node or an infected second branchial cleft cyst. 2. Often it is filled with mucoid material which is thick and develops pain when infected. A lymph node might also be seen at the same location. 3. Infection of a lymph node and second branchial cleft cyst might cause sudden onset pain which might respond to treatment with antibiotic like clindamycin. 4. Prednizon is prednisolone which is a steroid and due to its anti inflammatory nature, the pain and inflammation decreases after taking this medicine. 5. It is suggested to do a FNAC test if your condition does not show improvement after taking clindamycin as recommended, FNAC is fine needle aspiration cytology which is a needle aspiration test and some cells from the lump will be aspirated and looked at under the microscope to establish the pathological diagnosis. Confirmation of diagnosis is important if there is no expected result after giving a short course of antibiotics. 6. You might take over the counter pain relief to be able to swallow without difficulty. Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements. Hope your query is answered. Do write back if you have any doubts. Regards, Dr.Vivek