Page 15 | What is this swelling above my collar bone.

MegGriffin · 2016-08-05T18:25:05+00:00

I have had it over 3 months and have booked doctors for next Friday. It is above my right collarbone, the swelling is soft and inside it is a movable long thin lump. It does not hurt at all and I haven't had any infections or bites etc. It does not bother me except it hasn't always been there so o worry about things like lymphoma. I know that apparently cancer lumps are usually hard and immobile so it's probably a lymph node....Has anyone had anything like this at all or any doctors with ideas please? I keep swinging between thinking I'm over reacting and then thinking I should rush to the doctors. In case you can't notice it, it's on the left in the picture but actually on my right. The redness is my terrible British tan [blush]

DonnaBab · 13/04/2025 01:06

Ros45 · 12/04/2025 20:11

Hi Emma,
I have this condition it is called Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) my swelling is on both sides worse on the left .
It is basically compressed nerves and artery
"The main cause of TOS is that the nerves and blood vessels going to the arm and hand get squeezed near the thoracic outlet. This can occur for many reasons.
Pressure on nerves and vessels can happen in people who have fractured their clavicle. It can also happen in people who have an extra first rib, although this doesn't always result in TOS.
Extra muscle or scar tissues in the scalene muscles can put extra pressure on the nerves and arteries. Heavy lifting and carrying can bulk up the scalenus muscles to the point where the nerve and arteries get squeezed.
Traumatic injury from a car accident can also cause problems that lead to TOS. In an accident, the shoulder harness of the seat belt can strain or tear the muscles. As they heal,"
https://www.davisandderosa.com/Injuries-Conditions/Shoulder/Shoulder-Issues/Thoracic-Outlet-Syndrome/a~373/article.html. Hope this info is useful.

@Ros45 this is something I have also thought mine could be, as I do feel weakness in my arms/hands and lose feeling when I lay on the side the swelling is worse. Thank you for this. I think I will go back to the doctors and mention this to them.

HappyDaysAreAhead · 13/04/2025 07:42

Ros45 · 12/04/2025 20:11

Hi Emma,
I have this condition it is called Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS) my swelling is on both sides worse on the left .
It is basically compressed nerves and artery
"The main cause of TOS is that the nerves and blood vessels going to the arm and hand get squeezed near the thoracic outlet. This can occur for many reasons.
Pressure on nerves and vessels can happen in people who have fractured their clavicle. It can also happen in people who have an extra first rib, although this doesn't always result in TOS.
Extra muscle or scar tissues in the scalene muscles can put extra pressure on the nerves and arteries. Heavy lifting and carrying can bulk up the scalenus muscles to the point where the nerve and arteries get squeezed.
Traumatic injury from a car accident can also cause problems that lead to TOS. In an accident, the shoulder harness of the seat belt can strain or tear the muscles. As they heal,"
https://www.davisandderosa.com/Injuries-Conditions/Shoulder/Shoulder-Issues/Thoracic-Outlet-Syndrome/a~373/article.html. Hope this info is useful.

Hi

I've added a post recently about my symptoms so apologies to jump in.

This sounds very familiar to me.

Does this mean nothing can be done and it'll stay like this?

KRenee94 · 24/04/2025 20:59

DynamicAmber · 19/06/2024 08:31

I have the same fatty lump on my left side. I was originally worried about the vein there as it seemed to have a visible lump when stretch my neck out. While I was dwelling on that, I noticed this lump on my left side. My brain immediately went to the worst case senecio so I did the only thing I could think of and I googled it which led me here!!

After reading the topic, I feel much lest freaked out. Thank you all! Seems like some got answers but most are still wondering.

My theory to help me sleep tonight is that I am right handed, so maybe my right fatty pad is more trim which makes the left look much bigger.. not sure but I just seem bigger everywhere on my left. Strange.

I have the same suspicion! My larger lump is on my non-dominant side. I wonder if it is the same for everyone who mentioned asymmetry?

I noticed mine a couple of weeks ago when I was wearing a neckline that showed my collarbones. I freaked out. I recently had a terrible case of shingles and am wondering if it is related. I have not made an appointment with my doctor yet.

Jl29 · 12/08/2025 22:14

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Jl29 · 12/08/2025 22:20

SophieJo · 13/03/2023 18:38

Well I got the results today and it is just a lump of fatty tissue. No sign of lesions in my neck or chest which is a relief.

Hi appreciate it’s been a long time since you posted but mine looks similar to yours, quite raised just on left. If I hunch shoulders or move left arm across body it disappears in under collarbone. Did you get any further results or do you still have it? I am being sent for a breast examination and ultrasound. Had bloods done which came back normal. Just had me so worried with what comes up. It feels soft and squidgy, can’t feel any lymph nodes just feels like muscle underneath. More prominent when I stand straight with shoulders back, not as noticeable sitting or hunched. Or has anyone else had any updates?

PurpleRayne89 · 20/08/2025 11:38

@Jl29 sounds as though your GP is ensuring a through assessment which is reassuring. I think it’s likely related to posture and the muscles around the neck compensating for the weight of the head. Who knows? I hope you get to the bottom of it all.