What Causes Lumps On The Neck?

Posted on Sat, 25 Oct 2014

Question: Hi, I'm a 22yo female a few days ago a dental hygienist actually found about a pea to marble sized lump on the front lower left side of my neck, about an inch and a half above my collar bone. She also said she could feel something on the back left side of my neck too. The one above my collar bone does move a little when I move my finger around it but it is very formed, and she said it could be because of allergies. (I technically have allergy induced asthma, but I haven't had any problems with that in like 7 years.) I'm not sure if I should go see a doctor about it since it is movable, (and my copay is really high) but I keep worrying about it. Otherwise, I feel pretty healthy but I have felt more tired than usual, this could be just due to school/work though.

Thanks!

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
As below:

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. If the lumps is less than a centimeter in size, you may keep a regular check on them.

2. Ideally, an ultrasound would settle the diagnosis. The most common cause for such lumps would be reactive lymph nodes. There are more than three hundred of these in the head and neck region alone.

3. The location of the first lump is not very specific, however the second one seems to be a posterior triangle lymph node that are usually not considered significant. If the first one is more towards the side of the neck then it is also a posterior triangle lymph node.

4. Hence, if the lumps are not increasing in size or tender, you may observe them for a few weeks.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries, I will be available to answer them.

Regards.

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

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