What Could be Causing Lump On Front or Side of Neck?

What Causes Lump On Front Or Side Of Neck?

Lump on front or side of neck can have various causes, ranging in severity from 'minor' to 'generally fatal'. Finding the true cause means ruling out or confirming each possibility – in other words, diagnosis.

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Diagnosis is usually a complex process due to the sheer number of possible causes and related symptoms. In order to diagnose lump on front or side of neck, we could:

Research the topic
Find a doctor with the time
Use a diagnostic computer system.

The process is the same, whichever method is used.

Step 1: List all Possible Causes

We begin by identifying the disease conditions which have "lump on front or side of neck" as a symptom. Here are eight of many possibilities (more below):

Vasectomy Side-Effects
Chronic Fatigue-Fibromyalgia
Epstein-Barr Virus
Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis)
Lymphatic Congestion
Sarcoidosis
CLL Leukemia
Enlarged Lymph Nodes

Step 2: Build a Symptom Checklist

We then identify all possible symptoms and risk factors of each possible cause, and check the ones that apply:

frequent swollen axillary nodes

frequent difficulty falling asleep

minor joint pain/swelling/stiffness

hot flashes during & after period

chronic diarrhea

frequent rashes

chronic fatigue in family members

vomiting for 1-3 months

major unexplained weight loss

pain in cold/cool/damp weather

history of adult allergies

poor bodily coordination

... and more than 100 others

Step 3: Rule Out or Confirm each Possible Cause

A differential diagnosis of your symptoms and risk factors finds the likely cause of lump on front or side of neck:

Cause	Probability	Status
Lymphatic Congestion	94%	Confirm
Chronic Fatigue-Fibromyalgia	23%	Unlikely
CLL Leukemia	16%	Unlikely
Vasectomy Side-Effects	5%	Ruled out
Sarcoidosis	2%	Ruled out
Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis)	0%	Ruled out
Epstein-Barr Virus	0%	Ruled out
Enlarged Lymph Nodes	0%	Ruled out

* This is a simple example to illustrate the process

Arriving at a Correct Diagnosis

The Analyst™ is our online diagnosis tool that learns all about you through a straightforward process of multi-level questioning, providing diagnosis at the end.

If you indicate recent swollen/painful lymph nodes, The Analyst™ will ask further questions including this one:

SIDES OR FRONT OF NECK: Do you have any swollen lymph nodes here?

Possible responses:

→ Don't know
→ No
→ Often, but not right now
→ 1-2 lymph nodes swollen
→ 3 or more lymph nodes swollen

Based on your response to this question, which may indicate no swollen cervical nodes, frequent swollen cervical nodes, swollen cervical nodes or multiple swollen cervical nodes, The Analyst™ will consider possibilities such as:

Enlarged Lymph Nodes

Enlarged Lymph Nodes also suggests the following possibilities:

Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL)

Consequences of Vasectomy

Sarcoidosis

Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)

As another one of its nicknames – glandular fever – implies, perhaps the most distinguishing mono symptom is enlarged glands or lymph nodes, especially in the neck, but also in the armpit(s) and groin.

HIV/AIDS

Swollen, firm and possibly tender lymph nodes lasting longer than three months are a symptom of AIDS.

Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Hodgkin's lymphoma may present initially as painless lymph node enlargement, especially of the neck and above the collar bone.

Mercury Toxicity (Amalgam Illness)

Swollen lymph nodes in the neck have been associated with known mercury toxicity. Other sites reported include in front of the ear, under the jaw, and on the back of the neck.

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

The most common symptom of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin.

Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis)

Concerned or curious about your health? Try The Analyst™