Concern over Neck Lump in a Young Adult
I’m reaching out on behalf of my boyfriend, who doesn’t use Reddit but is feeling quite anxious about a growth he's discovered on his neck. He first became aware of it just two days ago, and it seems to have increased in size quite rapidly. He mentioned that it only causes mild discomfort when pressed firmly. Notably, he had just shaved that day and he also suffers from significant eczema. Initially, I considered the possibility of it being a swollen lymph node or an ingrown hair, but given the swift increase in size, those explanations seem unlikely. Unfortunately, he lacks health insurance, and his parents are reluctant to take him to a doctor unless it's an extreme situation. I’m more than willing to arrange for an Uber to get him medical attention if necessary. Any guidance or insights would be greatly appreciated.
Answers (1)
6/27/2025, 9:20:46 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about a rapidly growing lump, especially when it's on someone you care about. Here are the main points to consider:
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Possible Causes of the Lump: A rapidly enlarging lump could be due to a few reasons. It might be a swollen lymph node reacting to an infection, a cyst, or an ingrown hair. However, the quick increase in size is something to take seriously.
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Symptom Monitoring: Since it is causing mild discomfort when pressed, it’s important to watch for any additional symptoms. Symptoms like fever, increased pain, or redness could indicate an infection or another issue.
Actionable Steps:
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Observation: Encourage your boyfriend to monitor the lump for another 1-2 days. Note any changes in size, pain level, or the onset of additional symptoms like fever or fatigue.
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Warm Compress: If there’s no worsening, applying a warm compress to the area may help alleviate discomfort and encourage drainage if it’s an infected cyst or ingrown hair.
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Avoid Irritation: To reduce further irritation (especially considering his eczema), advise him to avoid shaving or using irritating products on the area until it's resolved.
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Assess Urgency: If the lump continues to grow, becomes painful, or if he experiences systemic symptoms (like fever), it becomes more urgent to seek medical attention. In this case, arranging for a ride to a healthcare provider would be a good decision.
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Explore Affordable Care Options: Look into local clinics that offer services on a sliding scale or telehealth options that might provide more affordable access to a doctor.
Remember, while it’s good to assess the situation, not every lump indicates a severe issue. Your boyfriend’s comfort and well-being matter, and taking these steps can help clarify the situation without immediate panic. Let me know if you need more information!
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