Brief Answer:
To rule out insect bite

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for your query.
I'm Dr. Shuba Hariprasad and will be answering your query today.

Would you please clarify a few things for me?
-is the lump right on the bone or near it?
- does it look inflamed? (skin reddish or like an orange peel?)
-does it have any puncture /bite marks in it?
-does the skin look irritated like a friction burn?
-does it hurt when you apply pressure?
-how long have you been using the Cpap?
-how long ago did you travel over seas?

Please attach a photo if you can.

Based on your symptoms I would like to rule out insect bite/sting

I recommend :
-monitor the lump for changes in size, colour and pain.
-apply cool compresses over the area to reduce the swelling /inflammation and also to help relieve the itch.
-avoid itching it. If the clothes you wear cause any friction over the area or triggers the irritation, apply a clean cotton cloth over the area.
-avoid warm baths and excessive sweating till we know what caused the lump
-check for bugs or insects in you bedroom?
-if the lump and symptoms don't improve in 2 days or if it seems to be worsening (gets bigger, looks Infected - red, painful), consult your physician /dermatologist right away.

Please get back to me with the above requested clarificationa and photo, if possible so that I may help you further.

Hope this helps.
Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad

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Brief Answer:
Lymph node enlargement

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for the follow up.

I've gone through your the clarifications and attached photos.
You seem to have an enlarged lymph node.
This is most commonly seen in infections.
*did you have any respiratory tract infection recently?
*any weight loss or constant cough? Fever? Rash?
*any lumps anywhere else in the body?
*do you have any other medical issues or take any medications? Any medications in the past month?
*where did you travel to recently?
*any high risk sexual activity?


I recommend :
-a physician consult to confirm enlarged lymph node and to check for the cause of enlargement.
You will need a thorough physical exam to check if any other lymph node enlargement is present.

- as it looks bigger than 1cm (and as per your earlier description-3cms), it needs to be Investigated as soon as possible. Blood investigations (complete blood count, peripheral smear, liver and kidney function tests) , stool analysis to check for signs of infection.

- an excision biopsy of the lump may be required if the diagnosis is not clear or to confirm diagnosis.

If after a physical exam, it seems benign, I would wait 3-4weeks to see if it resolves by itself.
If not or if it looks suspicious (malignancy or underlying infection) further investigation & appropriate treatment needs to initiated.

Sorry, I don't mean to scare you, just to caution you to seek medical attention right away.
As you recently traveled, it is most likely due to an infection. However, better to have it checked out ASAP.

Hope this helps. Please let me know if there is anything else I can help you with.
Wish you good health
Regards,
Dr. Shuba Hariprasad

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Brief Answer:
Please see below

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thank you for the follow up.
I am glad that you are going to see your doctor right away.
The type of investigation required will depend on the results of a clinical examination and possible diagnosis.
An open biopsy can give more details and a larger tissue sample compared to that of a FNAC. The latter is however sensitive enough to detect infections.
Let your doctor decide.
Hope I've helped. Please let me know how your doctor's appointment goes.
Wish you good health.
Kind regards,

Dr. Shuba Hariprasad

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