Unusual Bump Near Right Clavicle
Greetings, I appreciate your attention! I’m reaching out today because I recently discovered a peculiar bump in the area of my neck and right clavicle about a month ago. Thankfully, my blood tests have returned normal results, showing everything is within the healthy range. I underwent an ultrasound, which confirmed that it is neither a swollen lymph node nor any detectable mass; nonetheless, the palpable lump remains evident. This weekend, I am scheduled for a CT scan with vascular markers for further analysis. Surprisingly, I was unaware of this lump until my doctor found it during a routine examination, which I had not had in several years — truly an unexpected finding! That said, identifying any symptoms associated with this lump has proven challenging. I experience anxiety and depression, for which I am currently receiving medication, and I'm aware that these conditions can manifest as physical symptoms. While the lump itself doesn't cause much discomfort, the surrounding area experiences intermittent pain. Occasionally, I also feel soreness in my right shoulder and neck. The lump is quite firm and immobile, but the surface feels softer, possibly indicating it is pushing against a vein, although I cannot be certain. Having had mononucleosis, I recognize that Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) may play a role in the significant fatigue I encounter. This has been compounded by frequent night sweats that occurred even before I began my new SNRI medication. It is difficult to associate specific symptoms with their potential causes, especially since I was unaware of the lump's presence, which surprises me because I generally notice changes in my body. Moreover, I have unexpectedly lost a bit of weight recently; I weighed 154 pounds in January, dropped to 143 last month, and now I’m at 136 pounds. I feel perplexed and increasingly impatient, as life is becoming quite hectic and stressful with work and other responsibilities. I constantly have to be proactive with my doctor and the medical center, consistently calling to ensure that reports are processed and sent. If I don’t take this initiative, things tend to fall through the cracks. This isn’t the type of patient I want to be, but past experiences have shown me that it’s necessary. If it weren’t for this noticeable lump, I might attribute my various issues purely to stress, anxiety, depression, or being on the autism spectrum. Ironically, I find myself somewhat grateful for the physical manifestation of my discomfort, which could provide clarity regarding various unexplained symptoms, as I strive to maintain both physical and mental health. When I feel drained and easily overwhelmed, I often wrestle with feelings of guilt and shame. I wish to be a diligent worker with little to complain about; I am genuinely thankful for my life, yet sometimes I feel I fall short in expressing that gratitude through my actions and responses. Thank you once again for your time and consideration!
Answers (1)
8/14/2025, 4:31:20 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your detailed experience. I understand this situation can be quite concerning, especially with the uncertainties surrounding the lump near your collarbone and the accompanying symptoms. Here’s what I suggest, structured around your concerns and current situation:
Main Points
You've discovered a firm bump near your right clavicle, experienced intermittent pain and weight loss, and are currently under evaluation with upcoming CT results. Managing anxiety and stress while navigating these health concerns is essential.
Explanation
The lump, which hasn't shown signs of being a swollen lymph node or mass according to previous tests, could be a benign condition such as a lipoma or cyst. It's good to hear your blood tests were normal, but the physical changes like weight loss and pain can certainly be distressing. Anxiety, stress, and depression can exacerbate physical symptoms and contribute to overall fatigue, which you mentioned feeling since your previous bout with mononucleosis (EBV).
Next Steps
-
Prioritize your Upcoming CT Scan: Use this opportunity to gather more information about the lump. Stay prepared to discuss your symptoms, including the weight fluctuations and any discomfort you've felt.
-
Monitor and Document Symptoms: Keep a daily symptom diary noting the pain levels, weight changes, fatigue, and emotional well-being. This can help both you and your doctor in understanding your situation better and making informed decisions.
-
Focus on Self-Care: Stress and anxiety management can support your overall health. Consider practices such as:
- Mindfulness or meditation: These can help center your thoughts and alleviate anxiety.
- Gentle physical activity: Light exercises like walking or yoga can boost mood and energy.
- Healthy eating: Nutritious foods may help with your energy levels and emotional well-being.
-
Communicate with Your Healthcare Team: If you feel overwhelmed managing your health, consider asking for continuity of care or a case manager at your medical center who can help you navigate appointments and coordinate communications.
-
Engage Support Systems: Talking about your experiences with trusted friends, family, or a therapist can provide emotional support and help alleviate feelings of guilt or shame.
Continue to remain proactive in your health care, and keep advocating for yourself. It may feel challenging, but your well-being should remain the focus. Remember, it's okay to seek help when needed. Thank you for reaching out, and I hope for clear and reassuring results from your upcoming tests!
Related Questions
Strange Jelly-Like Substance Observed from Wound
I’m a 21-year-old female living with an auto-inflammatory condition known as hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Recently, I've experienced a concerning issue with one of my wounds. This particular wound causes significant pain and excessive bleeding. However, whenever I attend to it, I tend to find this unusual jelly-like substance present within it. Interestingly, this phenomenon has only occurred with this one wound and not any of the others I have. The bleeding seems to persist until I manage to remove this jelly substance, after which it typically slows down and comes to a halt completely. I’m seeking insights into what this might signify so that I can effectively discuss it with my healthcare provider.
Battling Chronic Nausea and Vomiting for Over Two Years
For the past two years, I (age 26, female) have been enduring an incredibly challenging health situation. I experience intense nausea daily and find myself vomiting numerous times, with almost nothing providing relief. To provide some background, I’m from West Texas and I currently weigh around 190 pounds, standing at 5’7”. Initially, my weight was about 211 pounds when these symptoms began, and it fluctuates frequently between 190 and 225 pounds. I engage in vaping and consume THC. Previously diagnosed with hypothyroidism, my condition seemingly resolved, according to my healthcare providers. Additionally, I have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). I have consistently faced irregular bowel movements, with stools that are loose and sometimes appear to have mucus. Compounding my struggles, I've also suffered from migraines. I have had an IUD for over five years, experiencing two insertions of the Kyleena device. In December 2022, my battle with health took a severe turn when I was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, requiring chemotherapy treatment, specifically AVBD (Apologies for not recalling the exact medication names). By July 2023, I had fortunately achieved remission. However, after reaching remission, my vomiting worsened, transforming from primarily white foam to a mixture of 80% bile, any food I attempt to consume, and still white foam. This intense vomiting, accompanied by significant pain in my upper back, escalated to more than eight episodes daily by November 2023. At that time, THC seemed to be the only avenue for me to retain any food. During this tumultuous period, I consulted various doctors who, after confirming I wasn’t pregnant, attributed my symptoms to Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). Immediately, I ceased THC consumption for over six months, yet the vomiting continued unabated. Each time, doctors would prescribe ondansetron, regardless of my claims that it provided no relief. I experimented with various diets recommended by medical professionals, but there were no improvements in my condition. Eventually, I obtained a referral to a gastroenterologist who intended to perform an endoscopy. However, the procedure was prohibitively expensive even with insurance, and thus was never conducted. This doctor also ordered blood tests to rule out several gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), and gluten sensitivity, but all results came back normal. Afterward, I had another appointment with a different gastroenterologist, but the doctor failed to meet with me. Instead, a nurse informed me that the doctor had merely recommended promethazine without conducting any tests or scheduling further visits. When I mentioned the possibility of gallbladder issues, the doctor laughed dismissively at my suggestion. Discussing my situation with my oncologist, he suggested that my heightened sensitivity to food odors stemmed from my chemotherapy experiences while I was working in fast food. While food smells indeed affect me, I'm primarily triggered by medical scents such as rubbing alcohol and cleaning agents. This ongoing ordeal has been overwhelmingly distressing. I now experience episodes of vomiting accompanied by bright red blood, presumably due to a throat tear. When I first encountered this troubling symptom, I consulted a doctor who appeared unfazed and prescribed a promethazine suppository, which does help but makes me extremely drowsy. My nausea persists nearly around the clock, often feeling as if there’s a heaviness in the upper part of my abdomen. I frequent urgent care facilities when my symptoms intensify, only to be met with minimal assistance since this is a chronic issue. Currently, I lack a primary care physician. Whenever I sought one, I encountered skepticism regarding my condition, with some healthcare professionals implying that I was exaggerating my symptoms. Though many physicians who do take my situation seriously seem baffled, I've lost count of the diverse medical experts I've consulted about these ongoing issues. If anyone has insight or suggestions, I would genuinely appreciate it. I can share my latest bloodwork results if that would be helpful—just let me know!
Strange Stomach Sensation Leading to Waking Up
Greetings. I'm a 36-year-old male, standing at 172 centimeters and weighing 90 kilograms. I don't take any medications, nor do I smoke. I've been living with diastasis recti for several years now, and I may also have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Additionally, I deal with fatty liver and kidney stones, though I assume these last two conditions are not related to my current concern. Occasionally, I experience a peculiar sensation that jolts me awake; it feels like a quick pulsing in my stomach. I’ve noticed it tends to affect the left side when I’m lying on my left side and the right side when on my right. Remarkably, it can occur even when I’m on my back. This strange feeling often escalates into a surge that fully rouses me. Alongside this, I sometimes feel prickling sensations throughout my body and fleeting lightheadedness. When this sensation disturbs my sleep while I’m turned to my side, shifting onto my back or the opposite side might alleviate it, but not always. In instances where I awaken while lying on my back, I discovered that gently pressing my hands on either side of my stomach can help, as can rising to a sitting or standing position. However, during my last two episodes—one a couple of weeks ago and another tonight—those techniques weren’t effective right away, which made me feel a bit anxious, prompting me to seek advice. Does anyone have insight into what might be going on? By the way, I’ve undergone routine ultrasound examinations of my abdomen by two different physicians during check-ups, both of whom assured me that everything appears normal, including my abdominal aorta and internal organs. They didn’t identify any issues at that time.
Understanding Tuberculosis Exposure Risk
A 26-year-old male, who neither drinks alcohol nor smokes, seeks to understand the implications of exposure to tuberculosis (TB). As an anesthesia technician, I became concerned after I encountered a TB-positive patient about a month ago. I had to enter the patient’s room several times to perform blood gas tests. On my first entry, I mistakenly wore my N95 mask incorrectly due to the hectic nature of attending to multiple rooms. From my research, it appears that TB is quite transmissible; direct exposure can pose a serious risk of infection. Transmission usually requires prolonged contact with an infected individual, particularly in a close or face-to-face setting. In this case, the patient was lying face down and appeared to be sleeping when I entered. I have already undergone testing for TB, but I am eager to deepen my understanding of the risks involved in these situations.
24M | Unexplained Fainting Incident
**Note:** I previously shared this story, but it was inexplicably removed. I’m a 24-year-old male without any medical diagnosis or prescription medications. While I do consume alcohol occasionally, I hadn’t been drinking before this happened. Around 3 a.m., I got up from bed to use the restroom. As soon as I began to urinate, I suddenly felt a wave of dizziness. The next moment I was aware of was regaining consciousness in the bathtub, startled awake by the sensation of something dripping on me—only to discover it was my own blood. This was my first experience with fainting. When I came to, confusion set in. I was disoriented and couldn’t comprehend why I was being dripped on while in what I thought was my “bed.” Strangely, I also imagined that I was lying on a collection of marbles (which I actually don’t own)—this turned out to be the shattered glass of my shower door lying around me. I’m uncertain whether I lost consciousness first and then fell, or if the fall caused my brief blackout. It took me a few moments to understand why I was in the bathroom at all. I’m not sure how long I was out; I only remember it was around 3 in the morning when I initially got up, and about the same time when I regained consciousness. I dialed 911, and the ambulance arrived promptly. They checked my vitals, performed an EKG and measured my blood sugar, finding nothing unusual. At the emergency room, they repeated the vital checks, conducted a CT scan, drew blood, and took x-rays—yet still no abnormalities were detected. I had several cuts on my face and left arm (curiously, this is the arm that would have been turned away from the door), along with bruising around my ribs. Since the incident, I’ve been suffering from headaches and pain in my ribs. I received stitches on both my face and arm. The nurse suggested I could have stronger pain relief, but I opted for just Toradol. They eventually discharged me, stating, "We’re unsure what caused this, but return if it happens again." What might have triggered such an incident? How can I safeguard against it reoccurring if they remain uncertain about the cause?