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What could cause swelling on the left side of my neck for 20 days with pain?
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Ear, Nose & Throat Conditions
Question #29620
122 days ago
245

What could cause swelling on the left side of my neck for 20 days with pain?

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.

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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 on one side of the neck persisting for 20 days with associated pain is something you shouldn’t ignore. The list of potential causes can be broad, but let’s narrow it down. A common reason could be an enlarged lymph node due to infections. Infections like throat infections, dental infections, or even viral illnesses can cause lymph nodes to swell and be painful. Other possibilities include a cyst, which is typically a fluid-filled sac, or a more solid mass that could suggest something serious like a tumor or thyroid abnormality. Without a fever, infection is less likely but not impossible.

When it comes to investigations, I’d recommend starting with a thorough physical examination by a healthcare provider. They may opt for an ultrasound to assess the nature of the mass – whether it’s solid, cystic, or inflamed lymphatic tissue. Blood tests could help rule out infections or offer clues about inflammatory conditions. Depending on these preliminary results, further testing such as a CT scan or biopsy might be required to rule out more serious conditions like lymphoma or other malignancies.

In the meantime, try to avoid any irritants. Be mindful of any accompanying symptoms like changes in skin appearance, significant weight loss, night sweats, or if the symptoms worsen. These would warrant prompt medical re-evaluation. While self-treatment isn’t advisable, over-the-counter pain relief like ibuprofen can be used for discomfort until you’re able to see a doctor. It’s best to consult your healthcare provider to determine the next steps based on your specific history and examination findings.

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