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What Does A Swollen Lump On The Side Of Neck Indicate?

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Posted on Wed, 25 Mar 2015
Question: I have a swollen lump on the right side of my neck above the collarbone.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (11 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Please see a doctor immediately, might be infection or a serious concern

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

I have read through your query in detail.
A swollen lump in the neck above the collar bone is most likely a lymph node swelling.

If you are having a painful and tender lump showing signs of inflammation then it is probably due to an acute infection. This is usually treated with a short course of antibiotics.

Should it be painless and firm lump then it might be a concern. This might require you to see your surgeon and get a detailed medical examination done including blood tests, imaging investigations and biopsy from the lump to correctly identify the condition.

I suggest you to please consult your surgeon immediately and have yourself examined. Your doctor might suggest an ultrasound scan of the lump if required. Should you have any more similar lumps anywhere else in your body then your doctor must know about it.

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
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (10 minutes later)
it is firm and not painful. i have also been having mild headaches.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (10 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Please find details below

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

I understand it might be a silent swelling in the neck that has been growing for sometime and has now been discovered by you. Although there can be many other causes for such a lump that is firm and painless including benign conditions, a possible lymph node with any suspected chronic infection or malignancy is a concern. It needs to be seen by your doctor at the earliest so that they can guide you about the possibilities after having examined you clinically.

It will help understand your situation better if there is are similar swellings else where. Headaches are a non specific condition and can be related to many causes however, please inform about it to your doctor. It can be due to generalized weakness and fatigue.

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

Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

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

Radiologist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 6874 Questions

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What Does A Swollen Lump On The Side Of Neck Indicate?

Brief Answer: Please see a doctor immediately, might be infection or a serious concern Detailed Answer: Hi XXXX, Thanks for writing in to us. I have read through your query in detail. A swollen lump in the neck above the collar bone is most likely a lymph node swelling. If you are having a painful and tender lump showing signs of inflammation then it is probably due to an acute infection. This is usually treated with a short course of antibiotics. Should it be painless and firm lump then it might be a concern. This might require you to see your surgeon and get a detailed medical examination done including blood tests, imaging investigations and biopsy from the lump to correctly identify the condition. I suggest you to please consult your surgeon immediately and have yourself examined. Your doctor might suggest an ultrasound scan of the lump if required. Should you have any more similar lumps anywhere else in your body then your doctor must know about it. 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