Unusual Bumps on My Neck (23F)
Hello everyone, I’m experiencing some unusual bumps on the left side of my neck that stick out a bit. They feel soft to the touch rather than firm. I first noticed them approximately a year ago and they haven’t changed in size since then. Could these possibly be lymph nodes? If they are not, would it be wise to consult a physician? I’m worried about the potential risk of cancer. Thank you for any insights you might have!
Answers (1)
7/4/2025, 5:40:35 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's completely understandable to feel concerned about unusual bumps, especially when they're persistent. The fact that you’ve noticed soft bumps on your neck for about a year, without any change in size, can provide some reassurance, but it’s still important to be informed.
Main Points:
- Possible Lymph Nodes: The bumps you’re feeling could indeed be lymph nodes, which can swell due to infections, inflammation, or other factors.
- Low Risk of Cancer: Persistent, soft bumps that have not changed in size for a year can be less concerning for cancer, but it’s essential to monitor any changes in symptoms.
Explanation:
Lymph nodes are small, soft structures in the body that help fight infections. They can sometimes swell due to common infections or even stress. Since the bumps have remained unchanged in size and are soft to the touch, this generally indicates less likelihood of cancer. However, it’s still important to rule out any other conditions.
Next Steps:
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the bumps. Note any changes in size, shape, or pain; especially if you develop any additional symptoms like fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss.
- Self-examination: Periodically check your neck for any new bumps or changes. You might consider taking a casual video or photo to track changes over time.
- Seek Medical Advice: If you're still feeling concerned or if any new symptoms arise, consulting a physician would be wise. This can provide clarity and peace of mind. You deserve to feel secure about your health.
Please try to reassure yourself that many lymph node changes are benign, but staying informed and proactive is the best approach. If you have further questions or concerns, feel free to reach out!
Related Questions
Concerns About My Younger Brother's Health (20M)
Hello everyone, Over the last week or so, my younger brother has been unwell, and I’m really quite anxious about his condition. We reside in the UK, and I must say, the local healthcare system has left much to be desired, which has been incredibly exasperating. I want to clarify that I'm sharing this based on second-hand information since my brother hasn’t been very communicative with me; I've mainly relied on what other family members have shared. My brother has a known allergy to penicillin. The last time he was exposed to it was nearly ten years ago, which led to a severe reaction due to developing Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. This condition caused a prolonged hospital stay when he was younger, lasting about a month. Last Friday, he informed me that he had vomited blood, but after visiting the nearest hospital, the staff dismissed it as non-serious and sent him home. He appeared to be alright for a couple of days, but then he suddenly reported feeling unwell again and missed work. He didn’t elaborate, so I'm left uncertain about what transpired. As his condition deteriorated, he started having trouble walking and began vomiting once again. He had a doctor's appointment scheduled for that day, and my grandmother traveled to his home (I’m currently staying with her while I find housing) to take him to see the doctor. Before picking him up, my grandmother mentioned that he had indicated he was dealing with more stomach issues. After his appointment, he told me that he had to crawl down the stairs from his bedroom and relied on my grandmother for support to reach the car and enter the doctor's office. I suggested that he should have called an ambulance to go to the hospital instead. Regardless, he saw the doctor, who diagnosed him with tonsillitis. The medical professional pointed out that his stomach problems were a result of taking excessive paracetamol the previous day, which contributed to his vomiting. He was given medication for his tonsillitis, ensuring that none of it contained penicillin, along with additional pills for his stomach complaints. I visited him today; while he still looked unwell, he seemed to be coping better. Earlier this morning, I had a brief conversation with him before I went to walk my mom's dog and brought him some ice cream to soothe his throat. Later this evening, my grandmother had to rush to my mom's house to pick up my little sister and their dog because my brother developed a rash that required immediate attention. My mom took him to the hospital again. He described the rash as having started on his chest and then spreading quickly to his arms. Given his previous experience with Stevens-Johnson syndrome and the symptoms listed on the NHS website, which alarming align with his past episodes, I can’t help but worry deeply about his health right now. I’m posting this in hopes of receiving some comfort and perhaps guidance on what steps he can take next, especially since the last hospital visit didn’t provide him any help. The facility he visited is known for being overcrowded and underfunded, a common issue for many NHS hospitals these days. I apologize if the details I provided are lacking; I haven't spoken to my brother frequently and was away from the country until just last Friday, which has made it harder to keep track of his situation. I know he has vomited blood, encountered other symptoms like difficulty walking, throat discomfort (he recently mentioned his throat felt swollen), and now is dealing with a rapidly spreading rash, abdominal issues, and coughing. Moreover, considering his past with Stevens-Johnson syndrome, we are particularly anxious that he might be facing a recurrence or even something like COVID-19, as we are unsure of his ability to cope with such illnesses again. I’m truly frightened right now; my brother just updated me that he is currently at A&E and expressed his fears about potentially facing Stevens-Johnson syndrome again. He doubts he could survive it if it truly is the case.
Questions About Combining Edibles with Clonazepam Use
I am a 24-year-old male, standing at 5 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 163 pounds. Currently, I am managing my facial tics with a daily prescription of clonazepam. I’m nearing the end of my treatment schedule within the next week. Additionally, I’m on a 24-day break from cannabis after being a habitual smoker for quite some time. Even when I start to reduce my clonazepam intake to just a few days a week, I’m curious about the possibility of consuming edibles on the days when I’m not taking it. Specifically, I would like to know whether using edibles will become unfeasible while I’m on any dosage of clonazepam, even if only occasionally. Is it safe to manage both of these substances together?
Revisiting My Old Meniscus Tear: Should I Pursue Surgery Again?
At 31 years old, I find myself grappling with an old meniscus tear that has been lingering since my injury. Although I was advised to undergo surgery and completed all necessary assessments, including an MRI, I ultimately never went through with the procedure. The reasons were manifold—most notably, a move to a different country where healthcare costs are rather prohibitive. During the initial stages of my injury, I managed to cope fairly well, especially since I was in good physical condition and enjoyed running. However, two years post-injury, I made a careless mistake while using a trampoline, which led to a reinjury of my knee. This particularly foolish incident left me unable to walk for several days. This further aggravated my condition, particularly instilling a sense of fear about my knee's stability. That fear contributed to a weight gain issue, with my highest weight reaching 75 kg (approximately 165 lbs) at just 155 cm tall. Fortunately, the pain subsided after a while, but my knee constantly reminded me of its unsettled state. It would suddenly feel as though it was dislocating or locking up—usually triggered by something as trivial as turning sharply or even sitting on a high chair in an awkward position. Realizing the need for change, I committed myself to improving my health over the last seven to eight months and successfully shed 10 kg, bringing my current weight down to 65 kg (about 143 lbs). I am eager to incorporate strength training into my fitness routine, but the fear of my knee locking up remains a concern. Fortunately, my financial situation has improved, and I am considering the possibility of reassessing my candidacy for surgery once I return home from a six-month business trip. I have a couple of inquiries that I'd appreciate your advice on: 1. Is it safe for me to engage in strength training exercises? 2. Considering the timeline since my original injury, am I still a viable candidate for surgery? Thank you very much for your assistance!
Concerned About My Big Toe: Is It Fungal Infection?
I am currently in my mid-30s, standing at 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing around 130 pounds when I'm not expecting. I do not take any medications and I’ve never smoked. Being pregnant, I treated myself to a pedicure about six weeks ago at an unfamiliar salon. Recently, I noticed that the polish has begun to chip away, prompting me to consider getting a fresh pedicure. However, I was shocked to discover that my big toe now appears discolored! This is quite concerning, especially since my toenails have never exhibited such changes, regardless of how long I keep nail polish on them. Could this potentially be a fungal infection, or might it be something different? I've shared a picture of the affected nail in the comments for reference.
Addressing Frequent Eardrum Ruptures in My Child: Is There Hope?
Background: My eight-year-old daughter has struggled with ear problems for quite some time. When she was just eleven months old, she underwent a procedure to insert tubes as a remedy for her ongoing ear infections. Many of these infections led to her eardrums bursting, but they typically healed on their own quite swiftly. The incidents of rupture predominantly affected her left ear during her infancy. The tubes have since fallen out, and while she seldom experiences ear infections now, she did have one episode at the age of five where her right eardrum ruptured, leading to significant drainage for several days before it healed. Present Condition: Recently, she has suffered two eardrum ruptures in her right ear this summer, and interestingly, these occurred without any prior signs of infection. She experienced no pain or drainage beforehand; we only became aware of the rupture when she mentioned discomfort while swimming. With the help of our otoscope, we confirmed the presence of a hole in her eardrum. A similar pattern was observed last summer when she also dealt with two ruptures during pool season. The reason behind these ruptures remains uncertain, as she is not engaging in any vigorous or reckless swimming; she is quite a calm swimmer. From our observations, each rupture has taken several weeks to heal. When we are aware of the hole, she uses earplugs while swimming, and while this strategy is mostly effective, I am increasingly worried about the repeated nature of these ruptures and the absence of a definitive cause; it's challenging to prevent them from happening. It's conceivable that she may have been experiencing ruptures during other times of the year, but we only notice them in the summer due to her discomfort in the pool. Aside from this issue, she has not expressed any ongoing pain. I'm becoming apprehensive about the potential for long-term hearing impairment, and keeping her eardrum dry throughout the summer months can be quite a task. Are there any long-term options available to address this issue?