What Causes Sores On Neck?

Posted on Thu, 16 Oct 2014

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

Thu, 16 Oct 2014 Answered on

Wed, 12 Nov 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have two sores on either side of my neck. They started out as lumps under the skin and then got bigger and when I squeezed them sticky uid came out for weeks. Now no more fluid but seems to be taking long time to heal...skin in both areas is very raw

Answered by Dr. Sumit Bhatti (53 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Get a swab and a biopsy.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thank you for your query.

1. The lumps on either side of the neck are most likely to be lymph nodes.

2. There can be many reasons why these develop ranging from infections (may be superficial), congenital conditions, thyroid lumps, tumors, lymphomas and so on.

3. Since there is a non-healing ulceration and discharge, a cold abscess and tuberculosis should be ruled out. Infections are more common if you have diabetes or if the immune system is down.

4. Get a swab of the sticky fluid, if possible, and since the skin is raw, a biopsy will help diagnosis. In addition , blood tests (including a Mantoux test) and imaging will help.

5. Treatment should only be started after the cause is established.

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

Regards.

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