What Does Presence Of Lump On The Neck Indicate?

Posted on Sat, 29 Oct 2016

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

Sat, 29 Oct 2016 Answered on

Fri, 18 Nov 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : My 19 Year daughter developed a lump on her neck yesterday. She felt completely fine otherwise. By the time she got home from college, she starting complaining of a stiff and sore neck and spine and pain in left side and ribs. Started running fever which spiked at 103 by evening. Went to ER, dr. felt her bump and said it was an infection of the lymph node system. He did no physical exam other than that, no urine test or blood work. Sent her home with a Z-pack. She called crying a few hours later in a lot of pain and vomiting. Finally fell asleep, temp down this a.m. and felt slightly better, but is now having same symptoms but worse, and more lumps, one by collar bone, one in back of neck, fever 101. Can we wait until tomorrow to try to get into a doctor, or do I need to seek urgent care or ER. Or do we need to give Z-pack more time?

Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (10 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Lymphadenopathy needs needle examination for diagnosis

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Madam

I can certainly understand your concern.

Yes, most likely this looks like infection of lymph nodes.

It's important to continue Z pack for another 3 days.

At the same time, it's important to rule out Tuberculosis and Viral infection like Infectious mononucleosis.

For this, I advise you to get a needle examination of the enlarged lymph node.

An x ray chest and Neck will be helpful.

Complete blood counts have to be taken.

A throat swab should also be part of the work up protocol.

Update me with test results.

Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng