Suggest Treatment For Collarbone Lump

Posted on Mon, 30 Nov 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 30 Nov 2015 Answered on

Mon, 21 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : Elongated lump appeared overnight on left side about 2-3 inches above collarbone, moreso towards the neck side than shoulder. It seems to shrink with IB and a heat compress. It's probably about 1-1.5 CM in length and seems to be tapered on both ends and is a lil bigger in the middle. No history of cancer and no other symptoms. Please help.

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Please give details and post actual photographs if possible.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query and an elucidate history.

To recapitulate: Female/30 - overnight appearance of the elongated lump of 1.5 cm - tapered on both ends - 2 to 3 inches above collar bone - seems to shrink with Ibuprofen and cold compresses - no history of cancer - no other symptoms.

The commonest reason is obviously a lymph node if you can move the skin above it, relatively mot XXXXXXX
The other reasons can be a Sebaceous cyst, but does not appear overnight and if at all will be painful as secondary infection only can cause it to enlarge.
Another reasons: If it is in the skin and moves along with skin, it can be an allergic reaction or insect bite or so.

Please give some additional information:
- Is the skin above red?
- Is it mobile?
- Is there pain on pressure?

Continue with Ibuprofen.
If the symptoms or signs of inflammation/infection develop, you may need an antibiotic cover and Ultrasonography with FNAC (fine needle aspiration cytology) helps to get a proper diagnosis.

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

Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (18 minutes later)

There's no redness or anything that would tell you it's there. It's somewhat XXXXXXX I can move it around a little. When I first noticed it, it wasn't sore at all. But I have poked and prodded it to the point to where it's pretty sore and sensitive. It was about 1.5 cm when I noticed it. And now it's probably 3/4 cm. it has shrunk quite a bit.

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Most probably a lymph node

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your feedback, it is more indicative of a lymph node as per the description you have provided.
Continue with Ibuprofen.
If the symptoms or signs of inflammation/infection develop, you may need an antibiotic cover and Ultrasonography with FNAC (fine needle aspiration cytology) helps to get a proper diagnosis.

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