Concerns About a Swollen Area on My Collarbone
I’m an 18-year-old female, generally healthy and active with no significant medical history. For the past year, I've noticed a firm, painless swelling on the right side of my collarbone, which I first detected over a year ago. It's not distinctly shaped like a lump, but there's a noticeable elevated area near my shoulder that could suggest one. To my knowledge, I have never fractured my collarbone, as I believe I would be aware if that had occurred. I experience no pain when moving my shoulder or arms, which is comforting. Some background information that may be relevant includes my history of poor posture and a suggestion from my parents that I might have mild scoliosis, as they’ve observed I tend to lean one way while standing or sitting, although I’ve never received a formal diagnosis. Recently, I consulted with an orthopedic specialist at my college, who evaluated various movements in an attempt to identify any discomfort. Their conclusion was reassuring; they found no cause for concern since I exhibited no troubling symptoms and suggested that the appearance might simply be a case of asymmetry. While I felt reassured for a time, I occasionally find myself fixating on the swelling, leading to increased anxiety. I also underwent an X-ray shortly after I first noticed it, and the doctor at that time confirmed that everything appeared normal. Despite these reassurances, I still see a significant difference between my right and left collarbones. I’m seeking advice: should I pursue another X-ray or imaging test, or perhaps even consider therapy? I didn't get a chance to view the results of my first X-ray, which adds to my uncertainty.
Answers (1)
2/6/2026, 6:40:40 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about a persistent swelling, especially in an area as visible as your collarbone. Given your healthy background, the firm and painless nature of the swelling, and the reassurance from both an orthopedic specialist and the X-ray results, it's likely that this asymmetry may be a benign anatomical variation rather than a serious condition.
Explanation:
Swollen areas or noticeable asymmetry near the collarbone can arise due to various factors including muscular differences, postural habits, or benign conditions like a lipoma (a fatty tissue growth) or a bony prominence. Since you have already undergone an evaluation and an X-ray with no concerning findings, it's less likely that serious pathology is present. However, your history of poor posture and possible mild scoliosis could contribute to such asymmetry, which can sometimes be addressed through physical therapy.
Next Steps:
-
Track Symptoms and Changes: Maintain a record of any changes in the swelling or related symptoms (e.g., changes in size, any pain, or difficulty moving). This can help in monitoring the situation effectively.
-
Consider Physical Therapy: Since you mentioned concerns about posture and possible scoliosis, exploring physical therapy could be beneficial. A therapist can assess your posture, strengthen muscles, and help correct imbalances—this may reduce anxiety related to your concerns about asymmetry.
-
Seek Results of Your Previous X-ray: If possible, try to obtain the results of your previous X-ray or request a follow-up appointment where you can discuss the findings. Having this information may alleviate some of your concerns.
-
Mindfulness and Anxiety Management: Since you've mentioned feeling anxious about the swelling, consider techniques for managing anxiety, such as mindfulness practices, relaxation exercises, or discussing these feelings with a trusted friend or family member.
-
Stay Informed, but Avoid Over-focusing: Gather information and be mindful of your health, but also try to divert your attention from the swelling when you're not observing it. Engaging in activities you enjoy can help reduce anxiety.
If at any point you notice significant changes, such as pain, growth of the swelling, or other new symptoms, consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation. Remember, it’s okay to seek reassurance, and taking proactive steps can help you feel more in control of your health.
Related Questions
Anxiety Over Ultrasound Referral for Suspected Lipomas
Recently, I've noticed several small lumps beneath the skin on my arms, and one on my leg, with some of them persisting for over a year. These lumps vary in texture from soft to somewhat firmer, are moveable, and do not cause any pain while remaining largely unchanged in size. During my visit, my GP expressed confidence that these formations are indeed lipomas, emphasizing her lack of concern—she even jokingly called me a 'lumpy boy.' Despite her reassurances, she recommended that I undergo an ultrasound to confirm her diagnosis. While I understand the rationale behind this precaution, I find myself overthinking her choice of words, leading to increased anxiety about what the scan might signify. Has anyone else experienced a similar situation where their doctor appeared confident, yet still suggested further testing? How did you manage the anxiety while awaiting results? Fortunately, I have the option to utilize private healthcare in the UK, allowing me to expedite the process, but I’m still feeling quite overwhelmed.
Should I Be Concerned? Stress Fracture or Bone Bruise?
(Picture of my shin from the side) I’m a 26-year-old female who practices Muay Thai. Recently, during training, I accidentally struck my shin against someone’s knee. The impact was intense, causing a momentary numbness in my leg. Initially, I was unable to place any weight on it, but fortunately, the discomfort subsided quickly. By the following day, I was able to walk normally, although it was clearly bruised. Fast forward three weeks, the bruising persists internally and a lump has formed. Since I don’t have health insurance, I'm hoping this will resolve on its own, but I’m also concerned about the pain. I’ve tried running despite the discomfort, but kicking remains out of the question, which makes me anxious. The bump continues to hurt, and I just want it to disappear.
Injury to the Throat Following a Sudden Sneeze
Earlier today, I found myself in a rather bizarre situation. While sneezing, I inadvertently managed to injure the rear part of my throat—perhaps I over-tensed my throat muscles in the process. I'm really puzzled about how these events unfolded simultaneously, but here we are. Initially, I noticed some blood, but that has since subsided. As it stands, there is a noticeable gash about an inch long near my left tonsil, positioned at the back of my throat. Although it does sting somewhat, it's not excessively painful at the moment. Right now, I'm on hold with a telehealth service, but the wait is incredibly long. Should I consider going to the emergency room? The bleeding appears to have lessened, but the appearance of the wound is concerning.
Understanding Voluntary Rumination
At 22 years old, I am a transgender woman, standing approximately 173 cm tall and weighing around 63 kg. Since the age of 8 or 9, I have possessed an unusual ability to voluntarily return the contents of my stomach back to my mouth, and importantly, this process has never occurred involuntarily. The food that I bring back up is generally undigested and retains the same taste, showing no increase in acidity. Moreover, if I consume enough liquids, I can also reflux those. While I can induce this reflex even when my stomach is empty, which results in a small amount of gastric acid being expelled, I rarely engage in this for obvious reasons. After conducting some research, I found that I would likely be categorized under Rumination Syndrome. However, it's crucial to note that my ability to induce reflux is entirely voluntary. This phenomenon does not hinder my everyday activities, and in fact, I appreciate being able to experience the taste of food again through this process. I am curious about how uncommon this might be and what could be the underlying reasons for it. Thank you for any insights!
Need Assistance with My Shoulder Issue
Age: 23, Height: 185 cm, Weight: 80 kg I lead a very active lifestyle engaging in swimming, cycling, running, and gym workouts, alongside physical work. I had a clavicle fracture five years ago. For the last two years, I have been experiencing an ongoing sensation in my left shoulder and scapula that feels like they are floating or lack stability. Recently, over the past six months, this feeling has intensified particularly during activities that involve pulling my arm. While I don’t suffer from severe pain, there are times when I feel mild discomfort that radiates from the shoulder blade towards my neck, accompanied by a general tightness in my neck. However, it’s not anything that limits my daily activities. I maintain a regular workout schedule at the gym and, although I don't have significant deficits in strength, the left side feels somewhat weaker at times. My range of motion seems to be within normal limits. What concerns me most is an ongoing impression that my shoulder is not securely seated in the glenoid cavity, which gives me the feeling that it lacks proper stabilization or cannot achieve a complete set in position.