Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
137 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Causes Movable Small Lump On Collar Bone?

hi I am a 20 year old male. I eat healthy and am active and exercise daily. i recently noticed a small lump on my collarbone on the left side, close to the middle of my throat . it doesn t hurt unless i touch it and when i do touch it it moves. i think it might just be a swollen lymph node but i want to be sure. i started experiencing a bit of a soar throat the day before i noticed the lump. please let me know if there is a chance this could be serious. thanks
posted on Sat, 26 Mar 2011
Twitter Thu, 14 Jul 2011 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 24 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on
Report Abuse
  User's Response
Dear Japalope,

Your description of the problem sounds like it could indeed be an inflamed lymph node. Although lymph nodes are not located on the collar bone, they are abundant in the neck region. The fact that it is painful to touch indicates that it is most likely due to an infection in the surrounding area. That being said, I want to make clear that this is in no way related to the sore throat (infection) that you are also suffering from. The reason I believe this is due to the fact that an infection of the throat region would most likely drain to the lymph nodes below the jaw bone and in the upper regions of the neck.

It is possible that this node is inflamed due to to a symptomless condition much lower than expected, probably in the chest or abdomen.

If this condition still persists today, I urge you to approach a general surgeon and ask him/her to take a look.

Hope this helps.
I find this answer helpful

1 Doctor agrees with this answer

Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Recent questions on Lymphatic system


Loading Online Doctors....
What Causes Movable Small Lump On Collar Bone?

Dear Japalope, Your description of the problem sounds like it could indeed be an inflamed lymph node. Although lymph nodes are not located on the collar bone, they are abundant in the neck region. The fact that it is painful to touch indicates that it is most likely due to an infection in the surrounding area. That being said, I want to make clear that this is in no way related to the sore throat (infection) that you are also suffering from. The reason I believe this is due to the fact that an infection of the throat region would most likely drain to the lymph nodes below the jaw bone and in the upper regions of the neck. It is possible that this node is inflamed due to to a symptomless condition much lower than expected, probably in the chest or abdomen. If this condition still persists today, I urge you to approach a general surgeon and ask him/her to take a look. Hope this helps.