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What could be causing swelling and pain on the left side of my neck for 20 days?
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Ear, Nose & Throat Conditions
Question #29619
122 days ago
259

What could be causing swelling and pain on the left side of my neck for 20 days?

Client_5e40d0

Hello Doctor, I have had swelling on the left side of my neck for about 20 days. It feels slightly bigger than the right side and there is some pain when I touch it. There is no major fever, but I’m concerned about what this could be. Could you please advise what this might be and whether I need any tests or medication? Thank you.

How would you describe the pain in your neck?:

- Mild — just noticeable

Have you noticed any other symptoms accompanying the swelling?:

- Fatigue

Is the swelling constant or does it come and go?:

- Constant

Have you had any recent infections or illnesses?:

- No recent illnesses

Do you have any allergies that you know of?:

- Yes, but only mild ones

Have you experienced any changes in your appetite or weight?:

- No changes

Have you seen any healthcare provider about this issue before?:

- Yes, a doctor
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Doctors' responses

Hello

Swelling on one side of the neck for about 20 days with mild pain on touch is most commonly due to an enlarged lymph node, which can happen from infections or inflammation nearby. The frequent causes include a recent throat or dental infection, viral illness, or localized inflammation. In some cases, it can be related to conditions such as Lymphadenitis or a thyroid-related issue like Thyroiditis, depending on the exact location of the swelling.

Since your swelling has been constant for 20 days and is associated with fatigue, it is reasonable to do a basic evaluation even if there is no fever or weight loss. Most cases are benign, but persistence beyond 2–3 weeks is the usual point where doctors recommend checking further to rule out chronic infection or other causes.

Typical tests that may be advised include: • Ultrasound of the neck (first and most useful test) • Complete blood count (CBC) • ESR or CRP (inflammation markers) • Sometimes thyroid function test, if the swelling is in the front of the neck

Medication depends on the cause. If it is bacterial, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics and pain relief; if it is inflammatory or viral, observation and anti-inflammatory medicine may be enough. Avoid self-starting antibiotics unless prescribed.

You should seek prompt medical review sooner if the swelling is increasing in size, becomes hard or fixed, lasts more than 4 weeks, is associated with night sweats, unexplained weight loss, persistent fever, or difficulty swallowing or breathing.

Take care

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Hello dear See as per clinical history it seems chances of Cyst - branchial Enlarged lymph nodes Lipoma Fibroma Thyroid growth Iam suggesting some tests for confirmation Please share the result with pathologist in person for better clarity and for safety please donot take any medication without consulting the concerned physician Esr CBC Fnac Biopsy mandatory Cervical spine X ray neck Bp evaluation Serum ferritin Serum TSH Serum.calcium Serum rbs Regards

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Swelling and pain on one side of the neck can result from several conditions, ranging from infections to more serious causes. One frequent cause is lymphadenopathy, often due to an infection such as a viral upper respiratory infection or a bacterial one, which usually resolves on its own or with a short course of antibiotics. Viral infections may persist a bit longer. Other reasons might include an abscess, which can develop after a bacterial infection and might need drainage, or even a cyst. Less common but serious causes could be related to tumors, either benign or malignant, so it’s crucial not to ignore persistent symptoms. If the swelling hasn’t decreased in the last 20 days and is accompanied by symptoms like night sweats, unexplained weight loss, persistent fever (even low-grade), or if it starts getting larger or redder, seeking medical attention becomes rather important. These could be red flags for something more serious that merits further examination, like imaging tests or a biopsy to establish the cause. In any case, a thorough physical examination by a healthcare professional is essential. Meanwhile, avoiding poking or prodding the area and using over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen might help manage any discomfort. Also, maintain good hydration and seek a balanced diet to support the immune system. If there’re any new symptoms or rapid changes in the swelling, it’s advisable to expedite getting a health consultation.

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