Lumps Near the Clavicle: Tumors or Lymph Nodes?

A round lump on the clavicle?

Hello, doctor! I would like to ask you: Recently, I discovered a round, movable lump about one centimeter in the hollow of my left clavicle, which is slightly painful.
Sometimes my hand feels numb.
Could this possibly be a tumor, or is it lymphadenopathy due to fatigue? Or could it be a fibroma? Which specialty should I consult for this? Thank you.

Minmin, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/07/19

Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology

Hello Minmin, 24 years old! 1.
I would like to ask if it could possibly be a tumor? Or could it be lymphadenopathy due to fatigue? Or a fibroma? A: Broadly speaking, they can all be classified as tumors, but it is not possible to distinguish which type of tumor it is.
2.
Which specialty should I consult if I seek medical attention? A: General Surgery.
Thank you for your message.
Taoyuan Hospital, Dr.
Chen Sih-Rong.

Reply Date: 2016/07/19

More Info

When you discover a lump near the clavicle, it can understandably cause concern, especially regarding whether it is a tumor, a lymph node, or something else entirely. Based on your description of the lump being round, movable, and slightly painful, there are several possibilities to consider.

Firstly, lymph nodes are commonly found in the area around the clavicle, and they can become enlarged due to various reasons, including infections, inflammation, or malignancies. The fact that the lump is movable and slightly painful may suggest that it is a reactive lymph node, which often occurs in response to an infection or inflammation in the body. In many cases, these reactive lymph nodes are benign and will resolve on their own as the underlying issue is treated.

On the other hand, tumors can also present as lumps in this area. Tumors can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). A benign tumor, such as a fibroma, may also feel movable and can sometimes be painful, especially if it is pressing against surrounding tissues. However, malignant tumors may not always present with pain or mobility, making it essential to evaluate the lump further.

The symptoms you mentioned, such as occasional numbness in your hand, could be related to nerve compression, possibly due to the lump's position or size. This is something that should be assessed by a healthcare professional, as it may indicate that the lump is affecting nearby structures.

Given these considerations, it is crucial to seek medical advice for a proper evaluation. You should consider visiting a healthcare provider specializing in internal medicine or a general surgeon. They can perform a physical examination and may recommend imaging studies, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, to better characterize the lump. If necessary, they might also suggest a biopsy to determine the nature of the lump definitively.

In summary, while the lump you described could be a benign lymph node or a fibroma, it is essential to have it evaluated by a healthcare professional. They will be able to provide a more accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate management based on their findings. Early evaluation is particularly important to rule out any serious conditions and to provide peace of mind.

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