Growth on Collar Bone Accompanied by Weight Loss and Persistent Chills
In early 2024, I noticed a swelling on my right collarbone that measured roughly the size of a half grape. Initially, I attributed it to something long-standing, especially as I was experiencing some unintentional weight loss. The lump was small and did not cause any discomfort. However, by late 2024, the growth had increased to the size of a ping pong ball. I began to experience pain radiating to my shoulder while performing simple tasks like folding laundry or scrubbing surfaces. Due to a lengthy wait for my new primary care physician (PCP) appointment, I sought help at urgent care on February 10, 2025. They performed an x-ray and subsequently referred me to the hospital for a CT scan and ultrasound. Unfortunately, these examinations did not yield informative results, and I was advised to follow up with my PCP for a CT scan with contrast. During this period, I was also plagued by constant chills, night sweats, low-grade fevers each evening, extreme fatigue, and significant weight loss without any effort. Additionally, I felt a burning sensation in my stomach below the sternum, which was intensifying. On March 14, 2025, I managed to consult a nurse practitioner. Regrettably, she barely assessed the lump, which had now increased to the size of an egg. Her focus was primarily on addressing my previously managed PTSD, devoting two hours to that discussion while spending less than five minutes talking about the lump itself. She ordered a CT scan, but it produced results that remained inconclusive. At this point, she suggested that a collarbone fracture might be responsible, disregarding the growth and my accompanying symptoms. I have never experienced a collarbone fracture. The radiologist who evaluated the scan asserted that the hard, egg-sized lump had likely been present all along due to my significant weight loss. This was incorrect. Consequently, I scheduled an appointment with a different PCP from another medical group. On May 28, 2025, I met with my new PCP to share my symptoms and express how the previous nurse practitioner had largely dismissed my concerns and wrongly asserted the lump was an existing issue. My current doctor ordered further scans to clarify the situation. On June 7, 2025, I underwent another CT scan, during which the findings indicated that the egg-sized mass should not be causing my pain. It was described as hard, not related to my lymph nodes, yet I was experiencing pain nonetheless. Additionally, a mass was detected in my left lung, and they recommended a follow-up scan in six months. The lump remains on my collarbone and is sensitive to touch. The upper section of it now presses against my trachea, making it painful to use my right arm. I continue to suffer from constant chills, nightly sweats, extreme fatigue, and very limited appetite—I can only manage a few bites before feeling overwhelmingly full. My stomach is in constant pain, and since November 2024, I have lost over 70 pounds. What could be the underlying issue here?
Answers (1)
7/18/2025, 12:40:45 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear about the distressing symptoms you're experiencing, including the growth on your collarbone, persistent chills, significant weight loss, and your ongoing gastrointestinal discomfort. Given your history and the multiple symptoms, it's understandable that you'd feel anxious about your health.
Main Points
Your symptoms suggest a serious underlying condition that needs thorough investigation. The lump, weight loss, power fatigue, and other systemic issues could indicate a malignancy or another serious illness requiring urgent attention and a tailored diagnostic approach.
Explanation
Various factors could be contributing to your symptoms:
- Lump on the Collarbone: This could be a benign growth (like a lipoma or cyst) or something more serious, including potential malignancies.
- Weight Loss & Chills: These can be indicators of systemic illness. Chronic conditions such as infections, autoimmune diseases, or malignancy can cause these symptoms.
- Pain and Discomfort: The growth pressing against your trachea and causing pain and limited arm movement needs targeted investigation.
- Night Sweats and Fatigue: Commonly associated with infections, inflammatory conditions, or hematological disorders.
These symptoms collectively require more than standard imaging; they often indicate a need for a biopsy or further surgical evaluation.
Next Steps
- Document & Track Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your symptoms, including any changes in the lump's size, pain intensity, appetite, and other systemic effects.
- Set Timelines for Follow-ups: Since you have a follow-up scan scheduled, prepare questions to ask your physician about further diagnostic options, like a biopsy of the lump.
- Consider Specialist Referrals: Given the complexity of your symptoms, request a referral to a specialist if warranted, such as an oncologist or a thoracic surgeon, depending on results.
- Monitor Your Nutrition: Since your appetite is severely affected, focus on small, nutrient-dense meals and consider meal replacements or supplements to help maintain your nutritional status.
- Manage Pain & Discomfort: Over-the-counter pain relievers or prescribed medications (after checking with your doctor) may help alleviate your shoulder pain and discomfort.
Seek immediate medical help if you encounter worsening symptoms like severe shortness of breath, high fever, or increasing pain. It's crucial not to ignore these developments while awaiting tests or appointments.
Your experience with health care providers has been frustrating, but advocating for yourself is essential. Share your complete symptom history with your incoming doctor, emphasizing the need for comprehensive attention to your situation.
Related Questions
Ongoing Symptoms Post-Concussion: Seeking Insights
Hello everyone, I’m a 25-year-old male and experienced a significant car accident about two and a half years ago. Although I didn't black out during the incident, I felt disoriented and unsettled immediately afterward. Since that day, my health has noticeably deteriorated, and I'm attempting to discern whether my current struggles are commonplace or if something more serious might be overlooked. Here’s what I've been grappling with: I endure daily headaches that typically originate in the back of my head or neck, gradually migrating towards my temples or eyes. Conditions that intensify these headaches include bright screens, excessive light, noise, and bustling surroundings. When I attempt to power through the discomfort, I sometimes see halos around lights or experience visual static. Mentally, I find myself exhausted very quickly. Concentrating becomes a challenge, and I frequently lose track of my thoughts or encounter difficulty finding the right words. Engaging in conversations or attending meetings can drain me significantly. Additionally, I become easily overwhelmed, especially in loud or crowded situations. Tinnitus is another issue I face, as the ringing in my ears is a constant presence. Since the incident, I’ve noticed weakness in my left hand; my ring and pinky fingers often curl up like claws. An electromyography (EMG) test revealed damage to the ulnar nerve, which accounts for some of this phenomenon. Unfortunately, it hasn't improved, impacting my ability to type, grip objects, and carry out everyday tasks. I also experience occasional facial twitching, jaw tightness, and short bouts where different parts of my body feel weak or tremble, but these symptoms are temporary. Fatigue is a significant battle for me. I struggle with poor sleep quality, waking up feeling unrested, and sometimes experiencing anxiety first thing in the morning. Even on days when the pain level is tolerable, my energy depletion restricts my activities. Here’s a summary of what medical evaluations have revealed: • My brain scans returned normal results, revealing only minor, nonspecific findings like white matter changes in certain regions. • The blood vessels in my brain appeared healthy. • EEG results indicated some slowing but no evidence of seizures. • More invasive tests ruled out any major health concerns. • Mild sleep apnea was detected. • Cognitive assessments showed deficits in attention, processing speed, and memory. • Eye examinations indicated challenges with tracking and focusing post-injury. What has proven somewhat beneficial includes: • Migraine medication has helped lessen the severity of my headaches. • Telecommuting allows me to take frequent breaks. • Engaging in occupational, speech, and vision therapy whenever possible has been somewhat advantageous. I maintain a full-time job, but managing it drains a considerable amount of my energy, leaving little for family interactions, social engagements, or time for recovery. I’m at a stage where I’m seeking clarification on several points: 1. Is it common for post-concussion symptoms to persist for such an extended period despite normal scan results? 2. When is it appropriate to seek an alternative explanation rather than accepting a diagnosis of merely post-concussion syndrome, stress, or anxiety? 3. Is it typical for fatigue to be the most pronounced and debilitating symptom? 4. Are there often overlooked aspects, such as sleep quality, visual processing, nerve health, or nervous system function, that should be reevaluated? I’m not seeking a diagnosis—just some insight. I want to determine whether I’m on a reasonable track or if I should be considering different inquiries. Thank you to all who have taken the time to read my message.
Excruciating Nerve Sensitivity
Greetings, everyone. I recently underwent surgery to address a cervical rib issue on the left side, utilizing the transaxillary method. Today marks ten days since the procedure was performed last Wednesday. I was discharged from the hospital Saturday morning and felt fine initially, aside from the typical discomfort associated with surgery such as pain, numbness, and some swelling in my left arm, which limited mobility. My surgeon assured me this was normal. However, come Monday morning, I experienced a sudden sensation that I initially thought was pain in my left hand, predominantly affecting my pinky, ring, and middle fingers, extending to my arm and shoulder. A visit to the doctor clarified that this was not just pain—I was experiencing hypersensitivity, specifically involving the ulnar nerve. A week has passed, and the intensity of the hypersensitivity is unmanageable. It feels as if my hand is simultaneously being burned, stabbed, and electrocuted. I have been prescribed medication like pregabalin, yet it only provides temporary relief lasting no more than an hour or two. While the swelling in my arm has subsided, the hypersensitivity and numbness continue unabated. Although I can move my arm and hand to a degree, my strength is noticeably reduced, which may be a lingering effect from the surgery. I was concerned there might be a hematoma at the incision site irritating the brachial plexus, but an ultrasound revealed no signs of blood accumulation. I'm currently in a challenging predicament and would deeply appreciate any suggestions or remedies you might offer, as the discomfort has become unbearable; at this point, I'd even consider amputation of my arm over enduring this agony.
Understanding Post-Surgical Pain After Ganglion Cyst Removal
I’m 17 years old (female, though I prefer He/him pronouns) and I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) along with Dysautonomia. Currently, I’m not taking any medications that might impact my situation apart from an SNRI and birth control to manage cramping. Around a month ago, I underwent surgery to remove a ganglion cyst located on my dominant wrist (the right one). This cyst had been present for roughly three years, and despite my doctor attempting to aspirate it, the procedure was unsuccessful due to its firmness, leading to surgical intervention. This cyst significantly limited my wrist mobility. Now, after approximately four weeks post-surgery, I can say that my wrist is mostly improved. The scar is healing fairly well, and I’ve regained about half of my wrist’s mobility compared to the left one. Yet, I still experience significant pain when I move or apply pressure on the area that housed the cyst. Is this pain considered normal? Additionally, my fingers are in constant discomfort, and my wrist seems to dislocate frequently. Due to my EDS, I am accustomed to joint pain and dislocations, but this particular pain feels more severe than what I usually endure. When I brought this up with my surgeon, he dismissed my concerns, stating that such dislocations are common for individuals my age. However, I experience dislocations at least twice daily, and the process of resetting them creates such a loud sound that I've been asked to leave classes to avoid disturbing others. Is this normal? Could it be related to the cyst? Moreover, about four days ago, I noticed a small lump forming on my wrist just above the surgical area. When I consulted my doctor about it, he informed me that it was a benign fatty tumor and assured me it wasn't a serious issue. However, I've never encountered anything like this before, and while the lump is not painful, soft, and relatively small, I’m puzzled about its sudden appearance. Why did this occur, and what could explain my doctor’s nonchalant attitude towards my symptoms? I understand that experiencing pain and limited mobility after surgery is not unusual, but given my doctor’s dismissive approach towards my concerns, I felt compelled to seek insight here as well. He often seems skeptical about the symptoms I report, making it difficult for me to fully trust his evaluations.
Seeking Answers: Unexplained Symptoms
Profile Information: - **Age**: 15 - **Gender**: Female - **Height**: 5'3 - **Ethnicity**: Caucasian **Medication Regimen**: - Lisdexamfetamine: 40 mg daily - Famotidine: 20 mg, twice daily - Cetirizine: 40 mg daily I have been experiencing persistent pain for as long as I can recall, even before I started taking any medication, so I am skeptical about the drugs affecting my condition. Below is a compilation of my symptoms that I can remember offhand. My family has been advised on multiple occasions to consider testing for Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) due to the alignment of my symptoms with the condition. My latest physician conducted laboratory tests to evaluate my tryptase levels without an initial baseline measurement. This was taken roughly 1.5 hours post-flare-up, which came back low. Consequently, she concluded that I do not have MCAS, but after researching further, I found that low levels do not definitively rule it out. I am reaching out for guidance—can anyone assist me in understanding my situation? **Presented Symptoms**: - Persistent hives - Facial flushing - Cognitive fog - Recurring headaches - Abdominal discomfort - Irregular bowel movements (ranging from diarrhea to constipation) - Anxiety attacks - Low blood pressure - Episodes of dizziness - Rapid heartbeat - Chronic fatigue - Episodes of fever - Severe joint pain - Night sweats - Bloating - Elevated sensitivity to sunlight - Intolerance to heat I frequently experience multiple symptoms together during flare-ups, with at least one flare occurring daily. The hives tend to emerge 1 to 3 times each day, primarily triggered by sun exposure and heightened emotional states, although at times they arise with no apparent cause. These flare-ups can occur abruptly, lasting anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours.
Should I Seek Medical Attention?
At 22 years old, I am a female who has been on medications like duloxetine, lamotrigine, and hydroxyzine for several years. I have managed to keep my Graves' disease under control, but I have reasons to believe I may also be experiencing symptoms of POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome). Last year, I was scheduled to consult a neurologist regarding hand tremors and the possibility of fibromyalgia. Unfortunately, I could not continue my treatment after relocating and losing my health insurance. Just 15 minutes ago, I fainted. Prior to that incident, I was feeling unwell—dizzy, my vision was blurry, and I experienced a whooshing sensation along with heat in my ears. My face and arms also felt tingly. After fainting, I experienced a heavy, aching sensation in my head, and I still have a headache now. Additionally, I’ve been waking up with headaches for a couple of days. I want to know if it's advisable to go to the emergency room. It's important to note that this isn’t my first fainting spell; I had one incident years back, which helped me recognize the signs when it started happening. At that time, I was lifting a heavy bed frame, and when I began to feel faint, I tried to sit down but stood back up to assist, and that’s when I lost consciousness. I’m unsure how long I was out, but I initially thought I was just sleeping before realizing what had happened when I regained awareness.