What Does Lump At Base Of The Neck Indicate?

Posted on Thu, 29 May 2014

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

Thu, 29 May 2014 Answered on

Wed, 18 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi. I just noticed a lump at the base if the back of my neck about where the neck turns into shoulder blade / upper back. I am a 44 year old male. I also am on day 3 of antibiotics for a sinus infection, so I am assuming this is a lymph node fighting the infection but was wondering if there is anything else I should get checked out -- I usually only get swollen glands on the front part of my neck line so this is unusual. Of course thinking about lymphoma but given my current sinus infection seems like I should wait a couple weeks. Thanks

Answered by Dr. Satvinder Bakshi (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
The lymph node needs to be evaluated

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Although it is likely that the lymph node may just be an infected one , but i would still like you to get it evaluated, there are two reasons for this

First on , it is a very unusual site for the lymph node to enlarge and may represent something more sinister

secondly , sinus infection generally leads to lymph node enlargement in the upper part of neck and not in the lower

For these two reasons i would like you to meet your doctor, who may advice you to undergo an ultrasound of the neck and some blood tests.He will guide you further.

Thanks

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. Vinay Bhardwaj