Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Does Hardness Just Above The Collar Bone Indicate?
Question: Hello,
I have been neglecting this for about a year and have finally made an appointment to have it checked out... I have what seems to be a "hardening" of tendon right above my collar bone on my left side. It does not hurt but does cause discomfort from time to time and the frequency in discomfort has increased since I have noticed it a year ago. I have read that this can be anything from a lymph node, to arthritis, to bone spur...I have no idea but I am more concerned with it being a lymph node. However, from what I can tell it seems to feel more of a "hardening" of my tendon that comes out from the collar bone up to the neck. It is just above the collar bone. Of course my biggest fear is something cancerous but I have no idea. The size or area of this has not seem to have grown since I first noticed it. But I would not say this is necessarily a lump. Just a harder "bone type" feel on that tendon. Obviously the tendon on my right side does no feel like this. What are your thoughts. I am looking for some piece of mind before my appointment.
Thank you XXXXXXX
I have been neglecting this for about a year and have finally made an appointment to have it checked out... I have what seems to be a "hardening" of tendon right above my collar bone on my left side. It does not hurt but does cause discomfort from time to time and the frequency in discomfort has increased since I have noticed it a year ago. I have read that this can be anything from a lymph node, to arthritis, to bone spur...I have no idea but I am more concerned with it being a lymph node. However, from what I can tell it seems to feel more of a "hardening" of my tendon that comes out from the collar bone up to the neck. It is just above the collar bone. Of course my biggest fear is something cancerous but I have no idea. The size or area of this has not seem to have grown since I first noticed it. But I would not say this is necessarily a lump. Just a harder "bone type" feel on that tendon. Obviously the tendon on my right side does no feel like this. What are your thoughts. I am looking for some piece of mind before my appointment.
Thank you XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Needs investigations.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The hardness just above the collar bone can be due to a swollen lymph node, a lipoma or a benign tumor. Since this has not increased in size for last one year this is not likely to be cancerous.
For the confirmation of diagnosis, you need to get this lump examined from a doctor and get a MRI scan for any soft tissue growth and a FNAB (fine needle aspiration biopsy) done.
FNAB is aspiration of the material of the lump which is done by a fine gauge needle (22 or 25 gauge) and a syringe. This will confirm the diagnosis. Swollen lymph node is often caused by an infection, allergic reactions, cancer, metabolic diseases, and an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Needs investigations.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
The hardness just above the collar bone can be due to a swollen lymph node, a lipoma or a benign tumor. Since this has not increased in size for last one year this is not likely to be cancerous.
For the confirmation of diagnosis, you need to get this lump examined from a doctor and get a MRI scan for any soft tissue growth and a FNAB (fine needle aspiration biopsy) done.
FNAB is aspiration of the material of the lump which is done by a fine gauge needle (22 or 25 gauge) and a syringe. This will confirm the diagnosis. Swollen lymph node is often caused by an infection, allergic reactions, cancer, metabolic diseases, and an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism).
I hope this answers your query.
In case you have additional questions or doubts, you can forward them to me, and I shall be glad to help you out.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Dr. Praveen Tayal.
For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Praveen-Tayal
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
