TODAY WHILE RUNNING MY HAND DOWN MY THROAT I NOTICED A LUMP
THAT FELT BRUISED TO THE TOUCH. I HAVE NEVER NOTICED IT BEFORE.
IT IS LOCATED SLIGHTLY TO THE LEFT OF WHERE MY ADAMS APPLE WOULD BE AND IS
ABOUT THE SIZE OF A MARBLE AND IT MOVES UP AND DOWN MY
THROAT AS I SWALLOW. I AM A THIRTY YEAR OLD FEMALE AND HAVE BEEN
A SMOKER FOR QUITE AWHILE. IT HAS BEEN SUGGESTED TO ME THAT I JUST MONITOR IT
FOR A WEEK OR SO, TO SEE IF IT GOES AWAY OR GETS LARGER, BUT GIVEN MY
CIRCUMSTANCE I AM CONCERNED. I HAVE NOT BEEN TO A GENERAL PRACTIONER IN
YEARS. I DO HOWEVER SEE A GYNECOLOGIST REGULARLY WOULD IT BE BEST TO TRY TO
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH HIM? I AM HOPING YOU CAN PROVIDE SOME INSIGHT
AS TO WHAT COULD HAVE OR BE CAUSING SUCH A LUMP AND PERHAPS
GIVE SOME RECOMENDATIONS AS TO WHAT ACTION I SHOULD PERSUE.
THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ANY HELP YOU CAN PROVIDE.
Reply: ---------------------------
It is possible that what you are describing is an inflamed and swollen lymph node. Please refer to the "review" section of the ENT clinic for previous discussions concerning enlarged lymph nodes for further information. In most instances, the recent development of a tender lump in the neck will be due to an upper respiratory inflammatory condition such as the common cold, sinusitis, allergy, ear infection, etc. and the lump represents an inflamed lymph node. It can be expected to resolve within a few weeks after resolution of the inciting upper respiratory condition. New lumps in the neck of an adult that persist beyond a few weeks, particularly if they are non-tender, warrant an evaluation by a physician.
--
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.
Click here to review
previous Ear, Nose and Throat Clinic consultations