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I had a lump show up on my neck behind and below my ...

Sent to Health Experts October 09, 2006 4:52 p.m.

I had a lump show up on my neck behind and below my ear about half way down my neck. It is about the size of a golf ball or maybe a little smaller. It is mostly under the skin. I am not sure if it is my lymph notes or possibly something else. I have no fever and feel fine. The lump is a little tender. Should I wait a couple of week to see if this goes away before I seek medical attention. I have no health insurance and this could be an expensive visit if there is no need. Thanks for your help.

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Answer
October 09, 2006 4:57 p.m. (4 minutes and 25 seconds later)

REPLIED

Swollen lymph nodes can be a sign of bacterial or viral infection, some blood disorders, some inflammatory disorders and more serious conditions including cancers and lymphoma.

Apart from taking anti-inflammatory medication, there is nothing you can do as the swelling is due to increased number of blood cells fighting the bacteria or viral infection.

If you have had swollen lymph gland for more than a couple of weeks then do go and see your doctor. After a month or so, if they have not gone down then a number of investigations can be used.

Full blood count, Differential white cell count, Lymph node biopsy, CT scan, Chest x-ray

Other possible tests: bone marrow aspirate

Tender nodes normally indicate the presence of infection, so it could be associated with an ear or throat infection. However it does sound quite large so if it doesn't go away or you have any history of unexplained night sweats, unexplained bruising or bleeding or recent loss of weight then see your doctor sooner.

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MRPharmS. Worked as Community pharmacist for 14 years. Undertaking a second degree in medicine.

Reply to Pauline
Sent October 09, 2006 5:02 p.m. (5 minutes and 31 seconds later)

How could I be sure that it is a swollen lymph node. Is there anyway of nowing for sure. It did show up overnight. But it is about 2" below my lobe.

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Answer
October 09, 2006 5:09 p.m. (6 minutes and 41 seconds later)

REPLIED

The location you mentioned has a chain of lymph nodes running down it. An insect bite would be unlikely to produce a lump near the size of a golf ball, but it could be an alternative explanation.

Aside from that there are 'postural muscles' which are supportive in that area but no other structures which could give a problem as described.

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Pauline -- Pharmacist -- 99% Positive Feedback on 2953 Health Accepts
MRPharmS. Worked as Community pharmacist for 14 years. Undertaking a second degree in medicine.

Reply to Pauline
Sent October 09, 2006 5:10 p.m. (47 seconds later)

How could I be sure that it is a swollen lymph node. Is there anyway of nowing for sure. It did show up overnight. But it is about 2" below my lobe.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Answer
October 09, 2006 5:12 p.m. (2 minutes and 23 seconds later)

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Pauline -- Pharmacist -- 99% Positive Feedback on 2953 Health Accepts
MRPharmS. Worked as Community pharmacist for 14 years. Undertaking a second degree in medicine.

Reply to Pauline
Sent October 09, 2006 5:14 p.m. (2 minutes and 4 seconds later)

Should I seek medical attention or just watch it to see if it goes away or gets smaller? Also, if it was a insect bite how long after the bite would it have taken to show up. And would it show up at the spot of the bite or on a lymph node. Thanks

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Answer
October 09, 2006 5:18 p.m. (4 minutes and 12 seconds later)

ACCEPTED

If it is an insect bite then using antihistamine tablets will reduce it faster, otherwise it can take a few days or even a week to go down. Cold compresses with witchhazel can help in some cases. Normally with an insect bite the reaction is local to the bite although you could get a small node response locally too. This is due to the chemicals released to counteract the bite.

Personally if you are feeling fine then I would monitor it for a few days at least, although any new symptoms appearing should be reported straight away.

Any headache would be reason to see the doctor sooner too.

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Pauline -- Pharmacist -- 99% Positive Feedback on 2953 Health Accepts
MRPharmS. Worked as Community pharmacist for 14 years. Undertaking a second degree in medicine.

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