What is this swelling above my collar bone.

[MegGriffin]

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

@DonnaBab Thankyou so much for your reply.
That is me! When I am sat around doing nothing I feel all sorts and I am constantly sat thinking about it. When I am busy I do not feel anything! I can’t wait to have the US done hopefully everything will be fine and I can start to relax.
I don’t have any other symptoms or anything it’s literally on my left side.
Now thinking about it, that’s the side i carry my bag on also. It makes you worry doesn’t it!
🙈 x

@Chambers2020 that was one of the questions I was asked after my US “do you carry your bag on that side?” I do but also my son. Try not to worry yourself, easier said then done I know. I did loads of searching too and always looked at the worst option, it was my partner that sat reading all the comments on this post and I did feel somewhat better myself after reading but you still send yourself mad .

I will always advise anyone worried to see their Doctor. I do hope your scan is clear and it’s nothing to worry about.

Hello, I have the same bumps, I got them in 2016 when I collapsed with extreme fatigue. I have checked them with doctors and they don't know what they are. MRIs don't show anything serious. I was reading yesterday about Cushing Syndrome and I will go to my endocrinologist to request testing for my adrenals since I notice other symptoms such weight gain, muscle cramps, hyperpigmentation. Have you read about Cushing?

@DonnaBab I had my US on Monday as my doc knew I was worried so got me in earlier due to cancellation. My US doc said there is nothing to worry about there is nothing there apart from fatty tissue.
The relief was unreal when she said this. X

@MariaMagdalene Hey! I have read about Cushings yes, I have had my blood and urine tested around 10 days ago now and they was both fine. I had my US on Monday and my doc told me that I have nothing to worry about. I hope your manage to get to the bottom of it. x

@MariaMagdalene hope you figure out what has caused it. Please keep us updated. I had looked a cushings but my weight weigh gain has been all over and isn’t growing. I was going to mention it to me doctor but I didn’t in the end 🙈. I was back at the doctors the other week as I had a bout of dizziness (feeling drunk) and has happened a few times now, but all was fine and no reason for it 🤔. I’m now noting down when I get it (if again) and the stuff I do before feeling it I.e missed meals, busy stressful day etc. I am keeping an eye on my shoulders and making sure it doesn’t get bigger.

@Chambers2020 so pleased your US was ok and good that you got an earlier appointment so you could have some relief 😀 x

Hey guys,

I have a similar swelling on both sides, mostly the left. I visited my GP on 18th August who during a physical exam could not feel any lymp nodes in my neck, stomach of groin. She decided to send me for an x-ray. I was told results will be available between 7-10 working days. After the X-ray the radiologist looked at it and said to her colleague “I’m going to call her GP”. This of course made me think there was something wrong.

I was told if the X-ray failed to show anything, an ultrasound will be arranged. I have therefore booked an ultrasound at a private clinic for 21st August in Harley Street. So hopefully there isn’t anything serious going on.

Everything online points to CANCER !!! 😖

My swellings are smaller in the morning and the more active I am get bigger so by bed time they’re more prominent. I cannot feel any lumps they’re more spongy swollen areas. I don’t have any other symptoms. I have asthma so occasionally I become breathless but my inhaler fixes that and I work two jobs so I feel tired sometimes. I’ve gone from 9 stone to 11 stone so no weight loss and no loss of appetite. Times have been hot so I sleep with the fan on but yesterday was cooler so I didn’t and no soaked sheets.

I am due for IVF egg transfer September so all of this is a massive inconvenience and is scaring the shit out of me so if anyone has any advice or could share their stories with me I would appreciate it.

🥳

@PurpleRayne89 hi, hoping your Ultrasound goes well. I too had an xRay it was clear. I also have the swellings on both sides but more prominent on the left also. My ultra sound just showed fatty tissues and they checked right up into my cheeks too. I had the blood test which came back normal. My ENT doctor has asked for a consultation to talk about what they think is happening and further management of it but it’s not worrisome.

I have trouble with a stiff neck and bad back due to being run over at 14 and my right leg not aligned properly, which was how I noticed the lump after a long day at work rubbing my neck.

I have over the past 3/4 years gone from 8st to 10st5lbs and I think some of it is caused by this weight gain. I’ve not lost my appetite, I love food 😂🙈.

I few reason to say I may have it. Will up date after I have spoken with my doctor. Just waiting on the video consultation.

Good luck with yours x

@DonnaBab hello. Thank you for responding to my post you helped to settle some nerves. I had an ultrasound today and I’ve discovered it is just fat. I will forward the report to my GP. X-Ray results yet to come back as I done that on the NHS. I’m guessing there will be no concerns.

I will be asking to be tested for Cushing disease as I have fat at the back of my neck and shoulders too. All of this since starting IVF.

Thanks again 😊

@PurpleRayne89 pleased your ultrasound went ok and that is didn’t show anything serious. It’s such a scary thought isn’t it, and like you said everything on the internet points to cancer. The internet had its issues but it also have its downsides and its things like this that send our anxieties sky high.

I’ve just got to wait for my follow up now and I’m going to hit exercise and diet too to see if loosing weight helps.

I did read up on Cushing also as someone above mentioned it. I didn’t follow mine up with the doctor though 🤦‍♀️. I maybe should.

When did you have your x ray? My doctors surgery only tell us if there is something to report.

Yours could be related to the influx of hormones for IVF 🤷‍♀️ Good luck with your IVF journey 😘

@PurpleRayne89 Sorry it should say the internet has it’s good bits but also it’s down sides

Reading through all this post as I’m going through a really bad bout of health anxiety at the moment and have managed to convince myself over the last few weeks that every little niggle could be cancer. Because I know I’m suffering with the HA, I know I’m being ridiculous. But I noticed this slight puffyness above my collar bone. Nobody else would notice it. What alerted me was that my necklace got tangled and I was looking in the mirror to unknot it. If I hunch my shoulders forward and create ‘dips’ you can’t see anything. The left looks just like the right. And I’ve had a good feel around and can’t feel any lymph nodes. My HA stems from having a multi nodular thyroid goitre diagnosed in 2017 and going through numerous fine needle aspirations to confirm it was nothing sinister. I get annual
Check ups and it’s always been fine and not growing but the trauma of all the biopsies back then has really had a lasting effect. I’m guessing if it was a ‘lump’ to be worried about, I’d be able feel something rather than just feel a squishy little pad. As far as I know it’s been like this forever but because of the anxiety and noting it in the middle of a particularly bad bout, I’ve convinced myself
Of all sorts.

I also like you! Please advise your current status. I always think I have cancer.

My doctor had a good feel around and decided it was not a lymph node but a muscle. Brought about most likely by bad posture, sitting at desk the wrong height, carrying heavy bags, even holding my phone between my ear and my shoulder. But that’s my case. You should go and see and she did say you’re never wasting dr time with a lump in that area. Most of the time will be nothing but we are right to be alert.

Hi Meg,
I see it's been since 2018 that you last replied. I have that same lump, one on each side and my collarbone hurts. My Dr said I have mild arthritis. I think it's got to be something else. Did anything else ever come from your lump or neck swelling?
Thanks,
Meg OK

I have an identical neck. Had ct scans blood work and no one seems to be concerned except me and everyone I know.

I have a lot of pain so I need to figure it out. Thanks for your reply.

Did you ever find out what the issue was? I have the same inflammation after a car accident and it's been a long time and they are HUGE. I've seen a number of doctors and still no answers. Doctors even refused an ultrasound, so requested new doctor again.

I have the same issue and can't get any answers from Doctors. Did you find out anything since this post? I have read everything on the internet and very concerned as everything points to cancer, specifically lymphoma. I would greatly appreciate hearing from you!
Thank you!

Hi I had seen this post before when doing my research and I’m coming back writing to you guys going through the SAME THING as I am. YES i too was thinking of LYMPHOMA. Had a ultrasound that revealed no mass or fluid.. this was ordered by my primary doctor, I also got referred to ENT just saw them yesterday and asked about the swelling, I mentioned lymphoma right away, she said no that it would be more like a hard lump not just swelling she also saw my ultrasound I did on my file and reassured me that’s it’s nothing based on the results (no fluid no mass present) I mentioned to her that the swelling goes bigger sometimes just like you guys, and she doesn’t know why but said if it gets bigger to come back so she can have a better idea.
I’m also having a mammogram soon ordered by my PD just to be safe. But I’ve noticed by taking anti-inflammatory juices or spices like tunmeric, celery juice or CBD it helps with swelling. I’m also getting tested for autoimmune disorders since I’m so tired always. All o can say is push for bloodwork, ultrasound even x rays, this can all be scary but to what most of you guys are saying I feel we are safe and it’s just fatty tissue. It never hurts to get extra testing to be safe though

I wanted to share this article. I have hypothyroidism and it has been left untreated my doctors and I have developed this swelling on both sides of the trunk of my neck. I suspected Lymphoma but also fluid buildup and this article confirms that long term untreated hypothyroidism can lead to fluid build up that can look alarming but also put pressure on nerves causing nerve damage. Thyroid should be considered with this inflammation we are all experiencing.

www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peripheral-neuropathy/expert-answers/hypothyroidism/faq-20058489#:

Hi. I found this thread because I have something very similar. I honestly can’t feel a lump , but I can feel raised skin. If I turn my neck you can’t even notice it. But it looks a lot like what Meg has. I only noticed it because I was staying in a hotel and the lighting was different . I smoke for years so I’m worried it could be lung cancer that spread but it doesn’t really feel like a lump though I’m incredibly anxious . Might just be lipoma but I have bad luck

I’ve been taking turmeric supplements since I notice my sort of clavicle lump and I don’t think it’s making any difference. It has black pepper in it too for alleged bioavailability.

@takethegirloutofwales

My doctor had a good feel around and decided it was not a lymph node but a muscle. Brought about most likely by bad posture, sitting at desk the wrong height, carrying heavy bags, even holding my phone between my ear and my shoulder. But that’s my case. You should go and see and she did say you’re never wasting dr time with a lump in that area. Most of the time will be nothing but we are right to be alert.

That’s a good point . It’s on my clavicle where my seatbelt has contact or on which I carry heavy bags but this is very rare as I don’t travel or drive much during covid . I don’t even know how long I’ve had it. I only started noticing it three weeks ago.