What Causes Soft Lumps On Both Sides Of Neck?

Posted on Wed, 8 Jul 2015

Question: I have soft rubbery lumps on both sides of my neck (clavicle area). only the left side swelled up very quickly (period of two weeks and over 4 cm long) then the right side swelled up but not quite as large. It has been 4 months since they began swelling. I have had blood work done and my CRA is within normal range. CT and MRI show several 4 to 6mm nodes in my lungs. I have started to get pain on my left side under my ribs. Trip to emergency department to be told it is likely a pulled muscle. I also have had pain in my right groin area for about two weeks now. It prevents me from from standing up straight when I first stand up, otherwise it is not bothersome. I suffer from extreme fatigue, some night sweats but no weight loss. Most of the information that I find online indicate that soft rubbery lumps on my neck are likely due to infection or bacteria of some kind however my bloodwork seems to be ok. does anyone have suggestions or information that can help put my mind at ease. I don't see the ear nose and throat specialist for another month. My father passed away 5 years ago of lung cancer and he had the same lumps on his neck.

Answered by Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (28 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
FNAC will give a clue.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
As per your description, there are lymphnodes in the neck.
In my opinion, you should get an FNAC ( Fine Needle aspiration Cytology ) of one prominent node.In majority of cases, the diagnosis will be known.If FNAC is inconclusive, then one lymph node has to be removed surgically and send it for histopathological examination ( Biopsy ). Exact diagnosis will be confirmed. It could be due to Bacterial infection or granulomatous disease.
You should also check for enlarged Inguinal lymph nodes in the groin.If there are no enlarged lymphnodes in the groin, then the pain there could be due to musculoSkeletal cause. Skeletal muscle relaxant tablet containing Thiocolchicoside will help.
You can consult a General surgeon and proceed.
Hope I answered your query. If you have any questions, I will clarify further.
Wish you good health.
Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj