Neck swelling Symptoms, Causes and Treatment
Neck swelling is a formation of fluid in the neck tissues or inflammation. It may be due to an infection, injury, or a medical procedure. Benign skin conditions can make small areas of the neck appear swollen. Swollen lymph nodes in the neck are a symptom of many viral or bacterial infections. An enlarged thyroid gland is a known reason for neck swelling in adults. In rare cases, neck swelling can result from cancer.
Small glands called lymph nodes filter lymph, a clear fluid which circulates through the lymphatic system. They swell in response to infections and tumors. Lymphatic fluid circulates through the lymphatic system, which comprises channels throughout the body that are like blood vessels. Lymph nodes are white blood cell storage glands. The killing of invading species is triggered by white blood cells. Treatment may not be necessary in mild cases of neck swelling. If neck swelling is bothersome, over-the-counter medications, such as anti-inflammatories, pain relievers, or cold compresses, can help reduce discomfort and swelling.
Neck Swelling Causes or Reasons
Swelling near the neck is usually caused by diseases such as:
More severe conditions, such as immune system problems or cancers, can cause lymph nodes all over the body to swell. Immune system disorders that cause swollen lymph nodes include lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Any cancer that spreads through the body can cause the lymph nodes to swell. When cancer in one area spreads to the lymph nodes, the survival rate decreases. Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, also causes the lymph nodes to become swollen. Some medications and allergic reactions to medications can cause swollen lymph nodes. Anti-seizure and antimalarial drugs can do this, too. Sexually transmitted infections, such as syphilis or gonorrhea, can further lead to swollen lymph nodes in the groin area.
Symptoms of Neck Swelling
Visible Enlargement:
Noticeable swelling or bulging in the neck area, often accompanied by discomfort or tightness.
Tenderness or Pain:
Sensitivity or pain when touching the swollen area of the neck, especially when moving or swallowing.
Restricted Movement:
Difficulty while moving the neck or turning the head due to swelling and stiffness.
Redness or Warmth:
The skin over the swollen area may appear red or feel warm to the touch, indicating inflammation or infection.
Difficulty Swallowing:
Swelling in the neck can sometimes cause difficulty while swallowing or a sensation of pressure in the throat.
Voice Changes:
Hoarseness or changes in voice may occur due to pressure on the vocal cords from swollen tissues.
Lump Formation:
In some cases, neck swelling and pain may be accompanied by the formation of a palpable lump or mass, which requires medical evaluation.
Diagnosis of Neck Swelling
Your doctor will begin by collecting details about your medical history and conducting a physical examination. They may get an idea of what is causing your glands to swell based on where on the body.
They may also recommend one of these tests to learn more about what is happening:
They may also recommend one of these tests to learn more about what is happening:
- Blood test
- X-rays
- Ultrasound: High-frequency sound waves are used by your doctor to see what is happening inside your body.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan: A powerful magnet and radio waves are used to develop detailed images of your organs and tissues.
- A biopsy is a term used to describe the phase of lymph node tissue removal and examination under a microscope.
- PET scan: Tests chemical activity in parts of your body. It can help identify a variety of conditions, such as some cancers, heart problems, and brain disorders. This is done less frequently.
- Computed tomography: A series of X-rays are taken from different angles and put together to form a more complete image.
Treatment of Neck Swelling
Swollen lymph nodes can get smaller on their own with no treatment. Sometimes, the doctor may want to monitor them without treatment. Antibiotics or antiviral medications may be prescribed with infections to remove the condition responsible for swollen lymph nodes. Your doctor may also prescribe medications such as aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil) to fight pain and inflammation. Swollen lymph nodes caused by cancer may not shrink to their normal size until the cancer is treated. The tumor and any infected lymph nodes can be removed as part of cancer care. Chemotherapy can also shrink the tumor.
When to visit a Doctor?
Most times, the swelling around the neck reduces and then disappears in 2 to 3 weeks after the body has successfully fought off the infection. If the problem exists for more than a couple of weeks, it could warrant a visit to an ENT Doctor.
Other reasons to visit the doctor include:
- A lymph node that to the touch feels stiff or rubbery
- A node that does not move freely
- A node with a diameter of an inch or more
- Swollen lymph nodes that accompany night sweats, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or high fever
Home Remedies:
If the neck swelling and pain are caused by something serious, they will go away on their own. A few things can help with any discomfort while you wait for it to run its course:
- Warm compress: A washcloth rinsed in hot water and placed on the painful area can help relieve pain.
- Rest: Getting a good night's rest can help you get over a minor illness faster.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers: Acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen can make you feel better. (Talk to your doctor before giving aspirin to children or teens.)
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