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What Causes Hard, Red, Tender Lump On Neck Below Adam's Apple?
Question: I have a quarter sized lump on my neck. It is below my Adam's apple just above collarbone. It is somewhat hard, red and tender and feels warm to the touch and is easily movable. My doctor said it is an abscess and gave me a prescription for Bactrim. Will that make it go away or will it need to be removed?
Brief Answer:
Should go away with Bactrim
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read your query in detail.
Bactrim is an effective antibiotic for infective absecsses. It is suggested that you take the entire course of Bactrim for the duration given to you. Along with it you can also take pain killers and anti inflammatory medications as desired.
An infective lump, the size of a quarter is best treated by medications first. This will control the bacterial multiplication and there will be slow regression of the lump with subsiding pain and inflammation which is usually seen in most patients.
If the lump continues to grow with increase in inflammatory signs like pain and redness, in spite of taking complete course of Bactrim, then it might need to be drained. This is a minor surgical procedure done under local anesthesia. I guess this will not be required in your case.
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
Should go away with Bactrim
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read your query in detail.
Bactrim is an effective antibiotic for infective absecsses. It is suggested that you take the entire course of Bactrim for the duration given to you. Along with it you can also take pain killers and anti inflammatory medications as desired.
An infective lump, the size of a quarter is best treated by medications first. This will control the bacterial multiplication and there will be slow regression of the lump with subsiding pain and inflammation which is usually seen in most patients.
If the lump continues to grow with increase in inflammatory signs like pain and redness, in spite of taking complete course of Bactrim, then it might need to be drained. This is a minor surgical procedure done under local anesthesia. I guess this will not be required in your case.
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
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you very much, Dr. XXXXXXX Dr. Baker has me taking Bactrim DS (800-160mg) twice daily for 10 days. She said it may start to drain on its own and if it has not gone away, she will remove it on 10/30. Should I apply warm compress as well to help with possible draining?
Brief Answer:
Please apply warm compress if it drains on its own
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
I agree with Dr.Baker. Since starting Bactrim, if the abscess has reduced in size then it is a good sign and does not require draining. If you have started Bactrim on 16-10-2014 then let us watch it till tomorrow to know exactly if the bacteria are being controlled.
If the pain and redness is persistent and increasing even after 4 - 5 days and there is a spot where the abscess is close to the skin, the skin is thinned then you can start applying warm compress over the abscess. This will help the pus to break through to drain spontaneously from the "pointing". Please do not squeeze or push the abscess.
You must continue to take Bactrim as prescribed by Dr.Baker, for 10 days.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Please apply warm compress if it drains on its own
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
I agree with Dr.Baker. Since starting Bactrim, if the abscess has reduced in size then it is a good sign and does not require draining. If you have started Bactrim on 16-10-2014 then let us watch it till tomorrow to know exactly if the bacteria are being controlled.
If the pain and redness is persistent and increasing even after 4 - 5 days and there is a spot where the abscess is close to the skin, the skin is thinned then you can start applying warm compress over the abscess. This will help the pus to break through to drain spontaneously from the "pointing". Please do not squeeze or push the abscess.
You must continue to take Bactrim as prescribed by Dr.Baker, for 10 days.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you so much for your help.
Brief Answer:
Welcome
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Welcome and I am glad to be replying to your query.
Should you require my assistance for any health query then please direct your query to me, Dr.Vivek Chail and I will get back to you at the earliest.
Wish you a quick recovery.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Welcome
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Welcome and I am glad to be replying to your query.
Should you require my assistance for any health query then please direct your query to me, Dr.Vivek Chail and I will get back to you at the earliest.
Wish you a quick recovery.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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