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What Causes Lump On The Left Side Of Neck Area?

Posted on Tue, 26 May 2015

Question: Hello Doctor , I'm a 22 year old male and Recently I have noticed that on the left side of my throat ( Neck ) something that feels like lumpy shaped sticks up when I look up and there also is a visible pulsation on the left side , I'm uploading a Picture and Please have a look at it . Recently I have also been getting red ears , my left ears gets warm and red a lot and I was wondering if there was a connection between these two ? Is it normal to have that lumpy shaped pulsating things on the side of your neck ??? I am scared I might have a cancer or something please answer . thanks

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Jugulodigastric lymph node enlargement...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for posting the query

I have gone through the history thoroughly and understood your problem. I'll try my best to help you with this problem.

1. The lump like thing described by you could be a lymph node over the jugulodigastric region. The lymph nodes are like policemen of our body; this gets enlarged indicating inflammation in the surrounding region.

2. The pulsations you have noticed are the transferred waves from the carotid in the adjacent area. I doubt any malignancy.

3. The redness could be either due to inflammation in the external auditory canal or constant palpation over the lymph node.

4. I would suggest you to consult a good ENT specialist for a complete evaluation of the ear and neck.

Hope I have answered your query; I will be available for the follow up queries.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (9 minutes later)

Thanks for the answer Doctor , But is it normal to have those Jugulodigastric Lymph nodes in the throat ? I noticed that they get bigger when I have a strep throat , does eveyone have them ?

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (29 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Enlarged nodes are common during sore throat...

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Thanks for writing back

The enlarged jugulodigastric lymph node is an indicator of throat infection. It is usually seen in the neck, behind the angle of the mandible.

Do not worry! it's perfectly normal to have an enlarged lymph node with recurrent sore throat. Most of the individuals who suffer from sore throat do present with similar swelling.

Hope this clarifies your doubts.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Pradeep Vitta

Follow up: Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (9 minutes later)

thanks a lot Doctor . I'll try not to think about cancer and other serious causes . what you recommend anti biotics for sore throat ? thanks

Answered by Dr. Naveen Kumar Nanjasetty (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Antibiotics, if the pain is associated with fever.

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Welcome back

If you are having pain associated with fever and difficulty in swallowing, you can definitely start on broad spectrum antibiotics. If it's just sore throat, then I would suggest you try home remedies such as:
1. Drinking plenty of warm water
2. Using povidone iodine throat spray or gargles
3. OTC pain relievers such as ibuprofen or diclofenac
4. Avoid chilled food and beverages, oily food, coffee, fizzy drinks and smoking (if present)

Hope this clarifies your doubts. Wish you good luck and good health.

Regards
Dr. Naveen Kumar N
ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon

Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar