I have this recurring neck lump on the left side (just below my jawline) that seems to recede before I get my menstrual period and increases during the middle of my cycle (i.e., the week before ovulation and the week after).
I have no symptoms otherwise. I visited my ob/gyn back last fall for problems with my period and I had to take my basal temperature for two months. It appears that I do not ovulate every month (and can be months in a row that I do not ovulate). My dr said that I may have too much estrogen in my body.
Is there any connection between the neck lump and my menstrual period or the hormone estrogen?
Reply: ---------------------
I am not aware of any possible association between the presence of a neck mass and menstrual cycle or estrogen abnormalities. There are many possible causes of an abnormal mass in the neck including enlarged lymph nodes, enlarged salivary glands, cysts, thyroid enlargement, neoplasms, etc. The most common cause of a mass in the neck for both adults and children would be enlarged lymph nodes caused by upper respiratory tract infections. Any new neck mass, especially when present in the absence of acute upper respiratory infection, warrants an examination initially by one's family physician. In an adult, enlarged lymph nodes that may clearly be precipitated by upper respiratory conditions, warrant a similar examination if they persist for more than a few weeks.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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