What Is The Cause Of A Lump In My Neck?

Posted on Sun, 7 Aug 2011

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

Sun, 7 Aug 2011 Answered on

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Question : HI my name is Barb I have had a lump in the left side of my neck for quite some time now. sometimes it causes headaches and other times it is just there. I can feel it sometimes but other times I really have to search for it. I have had breast cancer 4.5 years ago but have been all clear since can you tell me what this could be.

Answered by Dr. Robert Galamaga (2 hours later)

Hi,

Thanks for your query.

As far as the lump on the side of your neck the first thing we think of is of course a lymph node. Most swollen lymph nodes are reactive - meaning they swell in reaction to a virus or some kind of infection or even an allergen which triggers an inflammatory response.

These types of reactive nodes can sometimes persist for a few months before slowly resolving and is the most likely cause of what you have going on. Another possibility could be a simple fluid filled cyst or sebaceous cyst. These also typically persist for a number of weeks before slowly resolving on their own.

In light of the fact that you have a history of breast cancer it is worthwhile to bring this to the attention of your physician so that it can be monitored.

Regarding your cancer history can you give me a bit of detail as to which breast was affected, if lymph nodes were examined at the time of surgery and what therapies you had following the surgery.

I thank you again for submitting your question. I hope you have found my response to be both helpful as well as reassuring. If you have any additional concerns regarding this issue I would be happy to address them and I look forward to the additional information you can provide regarding your breast cancer history.

Sincerely,

Dr. Galamaga

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Radhika