Lump on Neck

Updated on November 06, 2009
C.S. asks from Omaha, NE
20 answers

Hellp Ladies,

My question is going out to anyone that can help! I have a 1 inch lump on the left side of my neck. When I touch it there is no pain, however it is somewhat freaking me out a bit. I have a doctor's appointment to get it looked at but that appointment will not be for another week. I have had an intense cough for about 2 1/2 weeks now that is slowly getting better, but only noticed this lump when I was sick. Any comments would be appreciated... :)

Thank You

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So What Happened?

So ladies, I apologize for not getting back sooner. It was indeed an "inflamed" lymph-node. There is nothing to worry about, except that it will most likely stay for the rest of my life. Thank you all for your kind words of encouragement :)

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T.V.

answers from Lincoln on

it sounds like a swolled lymph node. One of my son's used to have one on his neck that would stick out a little bit when he was sick.

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T.O.

answers from Minneapolis on

Could just be a lymph node that is swollen or it could be something else. My sister and cousin both had a lump on there neck and it was thyroid cancer. Very treatable and they are both doing great, 4 years later. Good luck, let us all know what you find out. :) Hugs to you!

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M.S.

answers from Omaha on

Sounds like a lymph node has formed to fight off an infection. I get those on my neck when I am sick. But it would be best to go to your doctor so he/she can check it out and you can know for sure.

Marie,

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A.M.

answers from Minneapolis on

I think you are doing the right thing by having it checked out, but since the lump started when you were sick, it might just be swollen lymph nodes. Try not to worry too much until you see your doctor.

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L.L.

answers from Omaha on

I had the same thing a while back and the doctor did an ultrasound...ended up just being a swollen lymph node....

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K.D.

answers from Minneapolis on

C., my guess is that since you were sick when the lump first was detected, it's probably nothing more than a swollen lymph node. Get it checked out by your doctor but I wouldn't worry too much. Good luck, and think positive thoughts!

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J.B.

answers from Minneapolis on

I haven't read your previous posts but a lump appeared for me as well when I was sick with a bad cold. However, mine was in my armpit (I'm guessing it was an enlarged lymph node). It was a bit sore for me though and I could see it as well. However, it did not last more than a week for me and I'm assuming the lump was a reaction to just having swollen glands. I would have gotten it checked out but by the time I started worrying more about what it could be - it seemed to be getting smaller and my cold symptoms lessened. I think it is a good idea to get it checked out - but don't fret - it could be something very minor.

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T.N.

answers from Minneapolis on

C., we always assume the worst, don't we?
It could very likely be a swollen or infected lymph node - fairly common from what I gather. Your lymph nodes are very active when you are sick. Google swollen lymph nodes and illness, just to ease your mind a bit until your appointment. Of course, it's good to check with your dr. too. If you just can't wait, there is always Urgent Care.

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J.F.

answers from Minneapolis on

There is nothing scarier than the unknown. You already have the doctor's apt. It is probably nothing (considering it showed up while you were sick), but good for you to get it checked out. Don't do any internet research or let your brain go to the dark and scary places. Wait until you know what you are dealing with before you freak out anymore. I know, easier said than done....but stress won't help you regardless.
My SIL went through something similar and found out she was pregnant with twins the DAY of surgery (to remove the mass)! Both her doctors have her on hold until the babies arrive.

Good luck to you!

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J.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

;

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J.J.

answers from Minneapolis on

Aw....the waiting game. Lymph nodes....? Although, I thought those were tender to the touch when they were enflamed.....?

When I was just 17 I found a lump on my neck--just behind my left ear lobe that didn't hurt....it turned out to be a benign tumor on my parotid gland. I had surgery--they took the whole parotid (saliva gland) gland out and I'm just fine now...

Good luck to you. Get your rest and try not to worry--stress just aggrivates health conditions.

You're in my thoughts,
Jen J

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C.D.

answers from Omaha on

Sounds like you have an infection going on. One of the things that Dr check in the lymph nodes in your neck. They can become quite large when you are ill. I would definately call your Dr and see if you can get in earlier before you get really ill. I also had this symptom that went on for months when I was in my 20's and it went away on it's on without any medical treatment. But I would checck with your dr right away.

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D.

answers from Minneapolis on

I agree with some of the others. I would guess that it's a swollen lymph node. Probably nothing, but you should still get it checked out.

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K.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

It sounds like a sebaceous cyst, which is just a lump of fatty tissue that will sit there until/unless you decide to have it removed. It's good that you're going to have it checked--but while you're waiting, just relax and assume it's nothing.

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S.P.

answers from Minneapolis on

From my nursing education I would guess that it is a swollen lymph node, however without seeing it I can't be certain. Lymph nodes will swell in order to fight an infection. It will be best to have your doctor examine it.

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N.S.

answers from Omaha on

I agree with some of the other posters that it is probably just a swollen lymph node. I had one of these several months back that seemed to have been there for months. I did get it checked out and my primary doctor gave me some antibiotic but when that didn't seem to help I went to an ENT. The ENT said that if it wasn't painful and hadn't grown in size then he wouldn't do anything for it but watch it. He said that they could remove it but then I would have to be put under and have stitches and a scar. So, I decided on not having it removed right away and now I've noticed that it has gone away on it's own.

Good luck!

Nikki

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J.J.

answers from Omaha on

I would try to get into the doctors office sooner. Call them today and tell them you have a bad cough and that you must be seen today. Hopefully it's nothing, but until you know for sure I would try hard to get into the docs office.

Just a thought, if it's high on your neck, like at the base of your skull, it could be an inflamed lymph node that can happen after a cold. They will usually go away over time. You didn't say where this lump was, so that is why I thought it more urgent to get it checked out.

I wish you well!

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C.L.

answers from Minneapolis on

I agree it is probably a swollen lymph node, especially if you've been sick. My son had one swell up to the size of a peach once.

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T.V.

answers from Rochester on

Hi C.,

Sometimes your glands will swell up in response to a viral infection such as a cold. Good to get it checked, though. Good luck!

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R.S.

answers from Terre Haute on

GEt into the doctor as soon as possible. My mother and husband had the same thing. My mothers grew tremendously fast. she was diagnosed with High grade lymphoma and my husbands ended up being thyroid cancer.
A biopsy may be necessary. It could be a swollen limp node, but please don't take chances. Early detection is the best.
Best wishes. Please don't take this lightly even if it appears to "disappear" at times (as my husbands did)

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