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What Does A Lump On Neck Indicate?

Posted on Wed, 1 Oct 2014

Question: My 10 year old daughter noticed a pea-sized lump on the lower left side of her neck under the skin. You cannot see it. It is difficult to detect, but it is so small I cannot tell if it moves or not. What might this be?

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (55 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Lymph node.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for using Healthcare Magic. From the information you have provided, this is most likely to be an enlarged lymph node due to an infection. The most minor of infections can cause enlarged lymph nodes in this area. Children often have short-lived upper respiratory tract infections that are barely noticeable but may cause a reaction in the lymph nodes of the neck.
There is no need to see your doctor at this stage. If the node is still palpable in 4 weeks then I would suggest a visit to your doctor for examination.
I hope this is of help. If I can be of further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Kerry Pottinger (1 hour later)

Since the lump is located on the back of the neck closer to the top of the shoulder, are lymph nodes located there as well? Also, can extreme allergies (our area has pollen counts that are off the charts) cause lymph nodes to swell?

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Further details.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for the further question. There are lymph nodes in all areas of the neck including the area you describe. High pollen levels can result in enlarged lymph nodes as there will be an inflammatory reaction.
Any further questions, please let me know.
Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar