Should I See a Doctor for a Painful Blue Lump Above My Collarbone?

Q: Should I See a Doctor for a Painful Blue Lump Above My Collarbone?

Hello： I cannot open the link to the image, and while bruising is common, it typically does not last for as long as six months, so it may not be a bruise. <br>I would suspect it could be something like a hemangioma (birthmark?). <br>You might want to consult a vascular surgeon to

I would like to inquire about a bruise and swelling above the clavicle?

Hello: I have a blue lump about 1 centimeter in size above my clavicle (located at the "sternal end"), which looks like a bruise as shown in the link: https://goo.gl/6TEBDn.
It has persisted for over six months and is painful when pressed.
Should I see a specialist for treatment?

samuel, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/03/26

Dr. Chen Yunfang reply Oncology

Hello: I cannot open the link to the image, and while bruising is common, it typically does not last for as long as six months, so it may not be a bruise.
I would suspect it could be something like a hemangioma (birthmark?).
You might want to consult a vascular surgeon to determine what it is.
Thank you!

Reply Date: 2016/03/26

More Info

If you have a painful blue lump above your collarbone that has persisted for over six months, it is advisable to see a doctor for a thorough evaluation. The lump's characteristics, such as its color, size, and the fact that it is painful upon pressure, warrant medical attention.
The area above the collarbone, particularly near the sternoclavicular joint, can be associated with various conditions. Some potential causes for a lump in this area include:
1. Lymphadenopathy: Enlarged lymph nodes can occur due to infections, inflammatory conditions, or malignancies. The blue color may suggest some vascular involvement or bruising.

2. Cysts: Sebaceous cysts or other types of cysts can form in this area and may become painful if they become inflamed or infected.

3. Soft Tissue Injuries: If there was any trauma to the area, a hematoma (a localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels) could form, leading to a blue appearance and pain.

4. Tumors: While less common, both benign and malignant tumors can present as lumps in this region. The persistence and pain associated with the lump make it essential to rule out any serious conditions.

Given the duration of the lump and the associated pain, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare provider. You can start by seeing a primary care physician, who can perform a physical examination and may refer you to a specialist, such as an orthopedic surgeon or a general surgeon, depending on their findings.

During your visit, the doctor may perform several assessments, including:
- Physical Examination: This will help determine the characteristics of the lump, such as its consistency, mobility, and tenderness.

- Imaging Studies: Depending on the initial findings, the doctor may order imaging tests such as an ultrasound or CT scan to get a clearer picture of the lump and surrounding tissues.

- Biopsy: If there is any suspicion of malignancy or if the lump does not resolve, a biopsy may be necessary to obtain tissue for further analysis.

It is important not to ignore this symptom, especially since it has persisted for an extended period. Early evaluation and diagnosis can lead to more effective treatment options and better outcomes.
In summary, seeing a doctor is crucial for understanding the nature of the lump and determining the appropriate course of action. Do not hesitate to seek medical advice, as it is always better to be cautious when it comes to unexplained lumps or changes in your body.

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