Stiff neck chills body aches: When Neck Stiffness May Mean Meningitis
When Neck Stiffness May Mean Meningitis
Meningitis is a serious condition that occurs when the meninges—protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord—become infected and inflamed. Early symptoms can be similar to the flu. However, having a stiff neck in addition to flu-like symptoms could be a key clue that meningitis is the problem and should be checked by a doctor.
See Spinal Cord Anatomy in the Neck
When Is a Stiff Neck Serious?
Patients should seek immediate medical attention if a stiff neck is accompanied by a fever, headache and/or nausea. See When Is a Stiff Neck Serious?
There are several types of meningitis, but this article focuses on the two most common ones: viral and bacterial. In cases where someone has contracted bacterial meningitis, finding medical attention immediately (within a few hours of initial symptoms) can be the difference between making a full recovery and permanent disability or death.
Meningitis can start suddenly, and early symptoms may include one or more of the following:
See Stiff Neck Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
As time goes on, other symptoms can develop, such as nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or noises, cognitive problems with concentration and memory, and many other latter-stage symptoms.
See Neck Pain Symptoms
In addition, it should be noted that bacterial and viral meningitis are both contagious, so they are more likely to be contracted and spread in areas where people live in close quarters, such as college dorms or military barracks.
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Because meningitis is such a serious condition, patients with symptoms of the disease will often start treatment before an official diagnosis is confirmed through diagnostic tests.
Diagnosing meningitis is difficult and requires the insight of a medical professional. If meningitis is suspected based on the patient history and physical exam, diagnostic tests will need to be done. These tests could include one or more of the following:
- Spinal tap. A spinal tap, also called a lumbar puncture, involves inserting a needle into the spinal canal in the lower back (a safe distance beneath the spinal cord) and drawing a sample of cerebrospinal fluid. Numerous lab tests will be run on the cerebrospinal fluid, such as to measure glucose, protein, red and white blood cell counts, and to determine which specific bacteria, virus, or other microorganisms might be present. The spinal tap and its associated tests are critical to achieving an official meningitis diagnosis.
- Blood tests. Before the spinal tap, typically blood tests will be done for a quick analysis to look for inflammatory markers suggestive of an infection or other illness. In some cases, a blood test could indicate meningitis is unlikely, preventing the need for the patient to undergo an invasive spinal tap.
- Imaging study. A CT scan or MRI scan of the brain is usually done before the spinal tap, especially if symptoms include any neurological deficits such as confusion or light sensitivity. An imaging study may show brain swelling and whether it is safe for a spinal tap to be performed. If it is determined that a change in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure from a spinal tap could cause the brain to herniate and move downward, the procedure will need to be delayed until the pressure on the brain is reduced.
See Diagnosing Neck Pain
The spinal tap’s lab results for potential bacterial or viral cultures can take a few days for enough growth to be analyzed, which is why an official meningitis diagnosis cannot typically be made the same day. However, faster tests are being researched and may be available in the future.1
Treatment for Meningitis
Minutes matter when it comes to treating bacterial meningitis. As such, doctors cannot wait several hours or days to see if a lab test comes back positive for bacterial meningitis. If meningitis is suspected and cannot be ruled out by the initial examination, doctors will usually start treating the patient with a broad-spectrum antibiotic to prevent any potential bacterial meningitis from growing out of control.
After the test results come back, the doctor will know if meningitis is the official diagnosis, as well as what type. For viral meningitis, there is typically no specific treatment aside from getting rest and trying to maintain a healthy intake of fluids and nutrition. For bacterial meningitis, the broad-spectrum antibiotic will be replaced by an antibiotic that targets the specific bacteria causing the meningitis.
Depending on the patient and severity of the meningitis, other medications may also be used.
- 1.Mayer L, et al. Chapter 6: Primary Culture and Presumptive Identification of Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae. In: Laboratory Methods for the Diagnosis of Meningitis Caused by Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae. 2nd ed. https://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/lab-manual/chpt06-culture-id.html. Updated 2011.
Encephalitis – Symptoms – NHS
Symptoms of encephalitis may be mild to begin with, but can become more serious over hours or days.
Occasionally the symptoms may develop gradually over several weeks or even months.
The first symptoms of encephalitis can be similar to flu, such as:
- a high temperature
- a headache
- feeling and being sick
- aching muscles and joints
Some people may also have a spotty or blistery rash on their skin.
But these early symptoms do not always appear and sometimes the first signs of encephalitis may be more serious symptoms.
More severe symptoms develop when the brain is affected, such as:
- confusion or disorientation
- seizures or fits
- changes in personality and behaviour, such as feeling very agitated
- difficulty speaking
- weakness or loss of movement in some parts of the body
- seeing and hearing things that are not there (hallucinations)
- loss of feeling in certain parts of the body
- uncontrollable eye movements, such as side-to-side eye movement
- eyesight problems
- loss of consciousness
There may also be symptoms of meningitis, such as a severe headache, sensitivity to bright lights, a stiff neck and a spotty rash that does not fade when a glass is pressed against it.
When to get medical advice
Dial 999 immediately to request an ambulance if you or someone else has serious symptoms of encephalitis.
It’s a medical emergency that needs to be seen in hospital as soon as possible.
Read about how encephalitis is diagnosed and how encephalitis is treated.
Page last reviewed: 03 December 2019
Next review due: 03 December 2022
Got a Pain in the Neck? When Is Neck Pain Serious?
June 16, 2017
We’ve all had the experience of waking up with a “crick” in the neck — an ache and stiffness so severe, you find yourself trying not to turn your head. Most people have also experienced that cracking and grinding sensation when turning your head or a sharp stabbing pain, tingling, numbness, or a headache that seems to start at the base of the neck and radiate up the back of your head.
Most of the time such pains in the neck are from benign sources. Neck pain can be caused by muscle strain or holding your head in an awkward position, like spending long periods in front of a computer or cradling your phone between the neck and shoulder. Other, more serious causes include worn joints, injuries like whiplash, and diseases such as fibromyalgia or meningitis.
When to Call a Doctor for Neck Pain
Most often neck pain will resolve on its own. But what are the signs that neck pain could be more serious and need a doctor’s opinion?
As a general guideline, the Mayo Clinic says you should contact a doctor if your neck pain:
- Is severe
- Persists for several days without relief
- Spreads down arms or legs
- Is accompanied by a headache, numbness, weakness, or tingling
Neck Pain Can Signal Serious Disease
Neck pain can sometimes signal a serious underlying medical issue that needs to be checked by a doctor. Typically, such neck pain will be accompanied by at least one other symptom, often before the stiff or painful neck occurs.
Additional symptoms can include fever, headache, nausea, unexplained drowsiness, confusion or mood swings, unexplained weight loss, or pain that spreads to arms or legs. All these symptoms, along with neck pain, are reasons to check with your doctor.
Uncommon Causes of Neck Pain Requiring Treatment
Serious, underlying conditions that cause neck pain and need to be treated immediately include meningitis, other infections, a tumor, or a neurological disorder that causes spasms or contorting the head outside normal alignment. Another problem of concern is degenerative disc disease, which is more common in the lower back, but can sometimes occur in the cervical or upper spine.
- Meningitis is a serious infection of the meninges, the protective membrane covering the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms are similar to flu with fever, nausea, and a stiff neck. There are several forms of meningitis, but viral and bacterial infections are the most common, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Getting immediate medical attention for viral or bacterial meningitis can be the difference between a full recovery or a life-long disability, or even death.
- Medically referred to as vertebral osteomyelitis, infection in the cervical spine is an uncommon cause of neck pain that needs prompt attention. Symptoms include fever, chills, unexpected weight loss, nighttime pain that is worse than daytime pain, swelling, and infection. Risk factors include being elderly, having a weakened immune system, and intravenous drug use. Treatment with antibiotics usually is sufficient for a full recovery, however, in rare cases, surgery may be needed to relieve pressure on spinal nerves, remove infected material, or stabilize the spine.
- A brain tumor located in the cerebellum, or back of the skull, can cause a stiff neck, as can a tumor in the neck or spine itself. Spine-Health lists three kinds of spinal tumors that can cause neck pain. Primary or metastatic tumors in the vertebral column can occur in the disc or bone. Intradural-extramedullary tumors grow under the membrane that covers the spinal cord, which can be benign or malignant. Other tumors arise from the nerve root that grows off the spinal cord and branches out to the body. These tumors are usually benign.
- Cervical dystonia, or spasmodic torticollis, is a neurological condition that can cause neck muscles to spasm uncontrollably or contort the head outside normal alignment. According to the Mayo Clinic, it is rare and most often occurs in middle-aged people. The cause is unknown. Therefore, there is no cure, but it often resolves on its own.
If you’ve got neck pain that just isn’t getting better or the pain is severe, contact us at Healthcare Associates of Texas. We work with you to determine the underlying cause of your pain and find the optimal treatment for you. Call our Appointment Line at (972) 258-7499 or contact us by email.
Symptoms of COVID-19 – HSE.ie
If you have any common symptoms of COVID-19 (coronavirus), self-isolate (stay in your room) and phone a GP straight away. Your GP will tell you if you need a free COVID-19 test.
Read about how to get tested for COVID-19.
Other people in your household will need to restrict their movements (stay at home).
Common symptoms of COVID-19 include:
You may not have all of these symptoms. It can take up to 14 days for symptoms to show. They can be similar to symptoms of cold and flu.
An early diagnosis from your GP means you can get the help you need and avoid spreading the virus, if you have it.
Call the emergency services on 112 or 999 if you are very short of breath. For example, if you are so short of breath that you cannot complete a sentence.
How to manage symptoms of COVID-19 at home
Compare symptoms of COVID-19, flu and cold
Symptoms range from mild to severe
Abrupt onset of symptoms
Gradual onset of symptoms
Fever or chills
Common (usually dry)
Common (usually dry)
Shortness of breath
Lost or changed sense of smell or taste
Aches and pains
Runny or stuffy nose
Feeling sick or vomiting
Sometimes in children
If you are in doubt about any symptoms you have, phone your GP. They will discuss your symptoms with you and advise you on any steps you may need to take.
When a fever could be something else
Some people may get a mild fever for a couple of days after they get the flu vaccine. This is normal.
Fever is also a symptom of meningitis.
Contact your GP straight away if you have a fever and other symptoms of meningitis:
- severe headache
- stiff neck
- sensitivity to light
Minding your mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic
How COVID-19 is spread
Protect yourself and others from COVID-19
Last updated: 13 January 2021 at 4.50pm
CDC Adds New Symptoms to Coronavirus List
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has expanded its list of possible symptoms of the coronavirus, a step that reflects the broad variation and unpredictability in the way the illness can affect individual patients.
Echoing the observations of doctors treating thousands of patients in the pandemic, the federal health agency changed its website to cite the following symptoms as possible indicators of Covid-19, the infection caused by the coronavirus:
repeated shaking with chills
and, new loss of taste or smell.
Previously it had listed just three symptoms: fever, cough and shortness of breath.
The C.D.C. added the six symptoms earlier this month after new recommendations were issued by an organization of public health epidemiologists that is responsible for defining which infectious diseases are tracked and reported to the agency. The organization, the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists or C.S.T.E., recommended that Covid-19 be considered a nationally reportable illness and gave guidelines about how cases should be defined and identified.
The group’s recommendations say that cases should be reported if there are positive lab tests, but also if there are clinical symptoms that meet one of several thresholds. One category involves people who have cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Another involves people with two of the following symptoms: fever, chills, shivers, muscle pain, headache, sore throat or new dysfunction of taste and smell. Cases of people in both categories should be reported as likely Covid-19 only if there is no other more plausible diagnosis, the recommendations say.
While people who become seriously ill from coronavirus infection primarily have acute respiratory distress, other symptoms that accompany the disease can vary widely, doctors and researchers have reported.
It has turned out, for example, that many people with Covid-19 don’t have fevers or that their fevers wax and wane and are sometimes accompanied by chills.
Shortness of breath can emerge at the same time as other symptoms or it can crop up suddenly a week or even 10 days after a person has been experiencing more manageable symptoms like cough and aches.
Some people report a notable loss of smell and taste, an effect that can also occur with other respiratory infections.
The revised C.D.C. list differs somewhat from the symptoms described by the World Health Organization on its website. The W.H.O. says the most common symptoms are fever, dry cough and tiredness. “Some patients may have aches and pains, nasal congestion, sore throat or diarrhea,” the W.H.O. says. “These symptoms are usually mild and begin gradually.”
Both agencies recommend that people seek emergency medical attention if they have trouble breathing or persistent pain or pressure in the chest. The C.D.C. also says that immediate medical attention should be sought if people experience sudden confusion, cannot be aroused or if their lips or face turn a bluish color.
The emerging symptoms of Covid-19
Public health experts initially advised people that the three most common symptoms of Covid-19 were fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath, but researchers and providers are finding that Covid-19 can manifest in various ways and cause many different symptoms. Here’s a breakdown of reported symptoms so far.
Covid-19 guidance from clinicians at the forefront
The 3 ‘standard’ symptoms of Covid-19—and why they were an initial focus
When the new coronavirus first began spreading, physicians around the globe reported that they were seeing three standard symptoms among a large number of Covid-19 patients: fever, dry cough, and shortness of breath.
A systematic review of medical literature performed by Charitini Stavropoulou, an associate professor in health services research at City, University of London, in March found that fever was reported among 82% to 87% of patients with mild to moderate cases of Covid-19.
David Aronoff, chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, told NPR’s “Goats and Soda” that the severity of fever can vary between cases. However, he said, “I think if someone has a fever, regardless of how long it’s lasting, unless they can clearly attribute it to something else, that’s a very reasonable symptom to seek an evaluation for” Covid-19.
Meanwhile, coughing “appears … two out of three times for patients with Covid-19,” Stavropoulou told NPR. Aronoff explained that, given the effects Covid-19 can have on a patient’s lungs, dry cough is a “very, very common symptom of the pneumonia that the [new coronavirus] can cause.”
When it comes to shortness of breath, Stavropoulou’s review found that the symptom occurred in fewer than 8% of milder cases but occurred more frequently in severe cases of the disease. Stavropoulou’s review stated that some studies found shortness of breath “was a marker of severe” cases of Covid-19.
CDC recognizes 6 additional symptoms of Covid-19
But as the number of reported cases of Covid-19 increased globally, so did the number of reported symptoms associated with the disease. Based on new reports and research, CDC last month officially recognized six additional Covid-19 symptoms: chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, loss of smell, and loss of taste.
Aronoff explained that patients often experience chills and shaking before a fever. Meanwhile, a report published by the World Health Organization (WHO) in February noted that almost 15% of nearly 56,000 Covid-19 patients in China had experienced muscle pain.
Claire Steves, a geriatrician and senior lecturer at King’s College London, told NPR that research also shows headache is “an important” early symptom of Covid-19 that often occurs alongside other standard symptoms of the disease.
Like muscle aches, headaches can be a symptom of a wide range of ailments, but Aronoff said patients should consider a headache to be a sign of Covid-19 if the symptom “is sticking around a bit longer than they are used to” or is associated with other symptoms associated with the disease.
Aronoff also told NPR that a sore throat is a “minor symptom” seen in Covid-19 patients. Data published by WHO in March showed that fewer than 14% of Covid-19 patients experienced a sore throat.
In comparison, Carol Yan, an otolaryngologist and head and neck surgeon at UC San Diego Health, told NPR that loss of smell or taste have become strong indicators of Covid-19. Research conducted by Yan found that about 70% of Covid-19 patients included in the study reported a loss of smell or taste.
As such, Yan said if a patient is experiencing those symptoms, she “would tell them that they should consider self-quarantining themselves and contacting their health care providers.”
Emerging symptoms of Covid-19
Providers and researchers in recent weeks have continued reporting new findings on and additional symptoms of Covid-19 as they learn more about the disease.
Specifically, while researchers and physicians originally focused on how the novel coronavirus affects the lungs, experts and clinicians are now realizing the virus is capable of attacking multiple parts of the body and causing various symptoms and complications ranging from stroke and hallucinations to rashes and a rare inflammatory syndrome.
In one example, clinicians around the world have reported that some Covid-19 patients experience cardiac symptoms such as myocarditis and irregular heart rhythms that sometimes lead to cardiac arrest—even in patients with no underlying heart conditions. Kidney damage also is becoming a commonly reported issue among Covid-19 patients, as well as blood clots that can travel from patients’ veins to their lungs, brains, and other organs.
Some emerging symptoms of the disease are disproportionately impacting younger patients. For instance, doctors in recent weeks have reported a rising number of cases of a deadly inflammatory syndrome that afflicts children within days or weeks after they become infected with the new coronavirus.
Meanwhile, dermatologists are increasingly reporting cases of so-called “Covid toes,” which manifests as redness, burning, itching, and/or swelling in the toes of patient with Covid-19. Doctors say the condition resembles chilblains, which is an inflammatory reaction usually seen on the extremities of people who spent too much time in cold or damp weather. In some cases, the Associated Press reports that Covid toes may be the first or only symptom of Covid-19 patients with the disease experience.
Doctors are reporting other skin-related symptoms among Covid-19 patients, as well. According to AP, in one study of 88 patients at an Italian hospital, one out of five patients experienced skin symptoms, the most common of which was a rash on the patient’s midsection.
So far, an international Dermatology Covid-19 Registry has received more than 400 reports of skin manifestations from dermatologists in 21 countries, NPR reports.
Doctors also are reporting a growing number of Covid-19 patients with symptoms of neurological damage, including confusion and hallucinations, as well as gastrointestinal symptoms.
“Older and frailer and more co-morbid people tend to be getting this cluster of abdominal symptoms and delirium symptoms and headache as well,” Steves told NPR.
Reports of emerging symptoms indicate new coronavirus becomes a ‘global disturbance’ to the body
As providers and researchers continue to uncover new symptoms tied to Covid-19, they are recognizing that the novel coronavirus is more complicated than other respiratory viruses they have seen.
Geoffrey Barnes, an assistant professor at the University of Michigan, said there’s still a lot that experts don’t know about the new coronavirus, which “literally did not exist in humans six months ago.” He said, “We had to rapidly learn how this virus impacts the human body and identify ways to treat it literally in a time-scale of weeks.”
Mandeep Mehra, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, said the increasing reports of new symptoms tied to the virus shows in severe cases it can cause widespread disruption in the body—which ultimately can lead to death. “What this virus does is it starts as a viral infection and becomes a more global disturbance to the immune system and blood vessels—and what kills is exactly that.”
Still, public health experts note that the majority of people who become infected with the new coronavirus experience only mild cases of Covid-19.
Esther Freeman from Massachusetts General Hospital said while there still is more researchers and providers can learn about the new coronavirus and Covid-19, “[t]he public health message is not to panic” (Neergaard, Associated Press, 5/17; Bernstein/Cha, Washington Post, 5/10; Godoy, “Goats and Soda,” NPR, 5/6).
Unusual coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms: What are they?
What are some of the unusual symptoms of COVID-19?
Answer From William F. Marshall, III M.D.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can cause a wide range of signs and symptoms. The most common are fever, dry cough and tiredness. Other symptoms include shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, muscle aches, chills, sore throat, runny nose, headache, or chest pain. But COVID-19 can also cause symptoms you might not expect, including:
- Gastrointestinal symptoms. COVID-19 might cause nausea, vomiting or diarrhea — either alone or with other COVID-19 symptoms. Gastrointestinal symptoms sometimes develop before a fever and respiratory symptoms.
- Loss of smell or taste. A new loss of smell or taste — without nasal congestion — is a common early symptom of COVID-19. Research suggests that most changes in smell and taste often resolve in 30 days. In some people, however, moderate to severe changes in smell and taste can persist for 60 days or more.
Skin changes. The most common skin changes linked with mild to severe COVID-19 include a flat, red rash covered with small bumps, discolored areas on the fingers and toes (COVID toes) and hives.
COVID toes appear to be more common in children and young adults. Swelling or discoloration can develop on one or several toes or fingers. Blisters, itchiness, rough skin, pain or painful raised bumps can occur. A small amount of pus might develop under the skin. The symptom can last 10 to 14 days or for months. However, swollen, discolored fingers or toes could also be chilblains, an inflammatory skin condition. Chilblains develop in response to repeated exposure to cold air.
- Confusion. Severe confusion (delirium) might be the main or only symptom of COVID-19 in older people. This COVID-19 symptom is linked with a high risk for poor outcomes, including death.
- Eye problems. Pink eye (conjunctivitis) can be a symptom of COVID-19. Research suggests that the most common eye problems linked to COVID-19 are light sensitivity, sore eyes and itchy eyes.
Signs and symptoms of COVID-19 may appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus and can range from mild to severe. If you think you might be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, call your doctor.
William F. Marshall, III M.D.
March 18, 2021
- Cholankeril G, et al. High prevalence of concurrent gastrointestinal manifestations in patients with SARS-CoV-2: Early experience from California. Gastroenterology. 2020; doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2020.04.008.
- COVID toes, rashes: How the coronavirus can affect your skin. American Academy of Dermatology Association. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/coronavirus/covid-toes. Accessed March 16, 2021.
- Lechien JR, et al. Loss of smell and taste in 2013 European patients with mild to moderate COVID-19. Annals of Internal Medicine. 2020; doi.org/10.7326/M20-2428.
- AskMayoExpert. COVID-19: Neurologic manifestations. Mayo Clinic; 2020.
- Mao L, et al. Neurologic manifestations of hospitalized patients with coronavirus disease 2019 in Wuhan, China. JAMA Neurology. 2020; doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2020.112.
- Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): Symptoms of coronavirus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/symptoms-testing/symptoms.html. Accessed May 27, 2020.
- COVID-19: Presentation, management, and follow-up (adult). Mayo Clinic; 2020.
- Menni C, et al. Real-time tracking of self-reported symptoms to predict potential COVID-19. Nature Medicine. 2020; doi.org/10.1038/s41591-020-0916-2.
- AskMayoExpert. COVID-19: Outpatient testing, management, and treatment. Mayo Clinic; 2020.
- Interim clinical guidance for management of patients with confirmed coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-guidance-management-patients.html. Accessed March 16, 2021.
- Pardhan S, et al. Sore eyes as the most significant ocular symptom experienced by people with COVID-19; A comparison between pre COVID-19 and during COVID-19 states. BMJ Open Ophthalmology. 2020; doi:10.1136/bmjophth-2020-000632.
- Kennedy M, et al. Delirium in older patients with COVID-19 presenting to the emergency department. JAMA Network Open. 2020; doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.29540.
- Herman A, et al. Evaluation of chilblains as manifestation of the COVID-19 pandemic. JAMA Dermatology. 2020; doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2020.2368.
- Vaira LA, et al. Smell and taste recovery in coronavirus disease 2019 patients: A 60-day objective and prospective study. The Journal of Laryngology and Otology. 2020; doi: 10.1017/S0022215120001826.
See more Expert Answers
90,000 All the bumps on the neck (photo)
What are the bumps on the neck
Changes in the body of any person are possible, leading to the formation of various tumors. They are most quickly detected in the neck area. This is due to the anatomical structure – the slightest proliferation of tissues can be seen with the naked eye.
Some immediately go for medical help. Some people do not pay attention to the growing lump on the neck for years. Some self-medicate: they begin to make lotions and compresses.The last two options – inaction and self-medication – are dangerous not only for the health of the person with a tumor on his neck, but also for his life. Therefore, any lump located under the lower jaw, behind the ear or on the throat, in front, behind or on the side of the neck requires examination by a specialist and the appointment of the necessary treatment.
What are they like?
- Single and multiple;
- Benign and Malignant;
- Sudden onset: painful and painless;
- Long-term: mobile and sedentary.
Each neck region is characterized by the development of certain types of tumors. Due to the large number of sebaceous glands along the hairline on the neck behind and behind the ear, inflammatory infiltrates in the form of boils and carbuncles most often occur. On the lateral surfaces of the neck, enlarged lymph nodes or a widespread tumor in the shape of the salivary gland are detected. On the front of the neck, nodes in the thyroid gland are determined. Congenital cysts can be found under the lower jaw. Let’s take a closer look at each disease that leads to the formation of a lump on the neck.
This is an acute inflammation and pus blockage of the sebaceous gland and hair follicle. A tumor occurs when pyogenic bacteria enter with microtraumas, a decrease in immunity, the consumption of a large number of foods that cause increased sebum secretion. It is most often located on the back of the neck along the hairline. Furuncles practically do not appear under the lower jaw.
Clinically determined by the redness of the skin in the affected area and around it, sharp soreness, swelling and fever.Disturbed by pain in the throat and behind the ear. If immunity is sharply reduced, several boils may appear at once, located at a distance from each other. The patient is worried about the back of the neck, painful and large.
In the process of maturation, an infiltration with a core of pus occurs. Intense pains are noted, which decrease after opening the boil and removing its contents.
An inflammatory process involving several hair follicles located nearby.Located in the same place as the boil: on the back of the neck and behind the ear. The course is more painful and prognostically more difficult than a boil, since complications often arise with the generalization of the inflammatory process and even the possible development of sepsis.
After rejection of the purulent contents, a large number of funnel-shaped depressions remain. If left untreated, re-inflammation begins.
Treatment of a boil and carbuncle:
Self-medication is contraindicated due to the threat of sepsis and death! Seek medical attention.After the examination, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial treatment will be prescribed. At home, you can treat the area of inflammation with a disinfectant before seeking medical help.
- Do not heat!
- Do not apply compresses!
- Do not squeeze out!
Lipoma and fibroma
This is a tumor that practically does not degenerate into a malignant one. It is located most often in places containing a small amount of adipose (lipoma) or connective (fibroma) tissue.It can be located on the neck in any area. It grows very slowly, painlessly. Often, a lump is detected in the neck from the back side by accident during massage of the neck-collar region.
The reason for their development is considered to be metabolic disorders associated with improper breakdown of certain fatty compounds.
Treatment is not required if the tumor is small. If aesthetic discomfort occurs, it is removed surgically.
This is an increase in one or more lymph nodes.The reason may be both a disturbed immunological background of the body, and foci of inflammation in the zone of lymph outflow. The manifestation of this pathology can be with a gradual increase in the clinic: patients complain of the appearance of a lump (on the right, left or behind), painless and inactive. With the development of inflammation inside the lymph node, they speak of lymphadenitis. Sore throat appears. Lymph nodes behind the ear and under the jaw are often enlarged.
An in-depth examination reveals a chronic focus of inflammation in the form of untreated caries or tonsillitis.Therefore, the first recommendation would be a dental examination and treatment of chronic inflammation in the throat.
This is a malignant disease that occurs against the background of complete health. The process involves most often the supraclavicular and cervical lymph nodes.
In addition to a significant increase and deformation of the neck, there may be no other complaints at first. In the future, the body temperature rises, a sore throat appears, pain is possible when moving the lower jaw.The disease is rare, but vigilance should be in every person.
Metastases to the lymph nodes of the neck
Some malignant formations of internal organs are diagnosed already in advanced stages, when distant metastases appear. Cancers of the thyroid and breast, tongue, stomach, lungs, esophagus and larynx very often metastasize to the lymph nodes of the neck.
This tumor differs from lymphadenitis in a denser consistency, inactivity and adhesion to the underlying tissues.Such a bump appears more often on the neck from the side. Prognostically, the finding is unfavorable. What to do if such a lymph node appears? Urgently be examined by an oncologist.
This is an infectious disease caused by paramyxovirus and affects the salivary glands, pancreas and testicles. The disease begins acutely with an increase in body temperature, sore throat and the appearance of a tumor that spreads downward in front of the ear. There may be swelling of the subcutaneous tissue under the jaw.The defeat of the salivary glands is both unilateral and bilateral.
An important point in the diagnosis is to clarify the epidemiological history (contact with the patient) or the prophylactic vaccination of the child in the last 2 weeks before the disease.
Cyst of the neck
In case of impaired intrauterine development, developmental anomalies are possible associated with the movement of the rudiments of various organs of the neck. A tumor is detected in childhood. With a lateral cyst of the neck – almost at birth on the right or left side of the neck in front of the ear, and with a median cyst – at the age of 5–7 years.Parents pay attention to the lump, located exactly under the lower jaw, very dense, moving when swallowing.
Cysts of the neck have a tendency to suppuration – about 65% become infected, after opening the cavity, a fistulous tract is formed. Therefore, if there is a lump in the neck, it is recommended not to apply compresses, but immediately consult a surgeon.
Nodules in the thyroid gland
This is a very common tumor. About 55% of people have thyroid nodules.Patients practically do not present any complaints. Nodular forms of goiter are diagnosed often by accident during a preventive examination.
With significant growth of the nodes, discomfort appears when swallowing without pain in the throat. Thyroid nodules are found mainly in women. The patient is worried about a cosmetic defect due to the presence of a bump on the right, left or front of the neck.
Tactics can be different: observation or treatment (surgical, radiation or medication).
Lump-shaped lump on the neck: why does it appear, how to get rid of it, and is it dangerous?
A lump on the back of the neck, which does not hurt and does not cause discomfort, can go unnoticed for a long time. But when she, nevertheless, is found, it is impossible to hesitate with a visit to the doctor.
Of course, not always a ball under the skin on the neck can indicate diseases that are dangerous to health.Sometimes such neoplasms do not pose a threat, but you still need to get rid of them. By what methods? More on this later.
How to understand that you need a doctor’s help?
If a lump appears on the neck, what does it mean? First of all, you need to carefully but carefully examine the problem area. It is necessary to study the density of the neoplasm, approximately determine its size and understand whether it causes pain or not. After that, you can observe the compaction for several days.It is quite possible that it will gradually and on its own dissolve.
But if the balls on the neck under the skin become larger, they are painful or, in parallel with their appearance, other unpleasant symptoms have arisen, then such a deviation cannot be ignored. Situations when specialist assistance is mandatory are:
- increase in body temperature,
- redness at the site of localization of the seal,
- general malaise,
- intense cephalalgia,
- neck pain,
- rapid deterioration in general health,
- cognitive impairment.
In these cases, you need to react to the situation immediately.
But even if the seal on the back of the neck under the hair does not cause much discomfort, it is still better to show it to the doctor. The specialist will conduct a thorough examination, palpation, collection of anamnesis, and based on the data obtained, he will be able to make a preliminary diagnosis and direct the patient to further diagnostic measures.
Which doctor should I contact if a lump appears on the neck? To get started, you can go to an appointment with your local therapist, paramedic or family doctor.After the initial examination, the physician can refer the patient to highly specialized specialists – a surgeon or oncologist. Also, the patient may need additional advice from an allergist, infectious disease specialist, otolaryngologist, dentist. The doctor will find out the reasons for the appearance of formations under the skin in the form of balls and, based on the diagnosis, will be able to prescribe an adequate treatment.
Why do bumps appear on the neck?
A lump on the neck can appear for completely different reasons.But below is a brief overview of the most common factors that can trigger the appearance of such a neoplasm.
Lymphadenitis or lymphadenopathy
A lump on the neck on the left under the skin is quite often a symptom of other diseases occurring in the body. The enlargement of the lymph nodes accompanying inflammatory processes in their tissues is called lymphadenitis. Another name is lymphadenopathy, but there is a certain difference between these concepts.
A lump on the neck under the skin, which is a consequence of inflammation of the lymph node, in turn, can be the result of:
- Frequent and intense allergic reactions,
- infectious pathologies,
- otolaryngological diseases,
90,011 dental ailments (in particular caries).
Important! Lumps on the side of the neck in an adult or child, triggered by swollen lymph nodes, are not a separate disease.This is just a symptom, the causes of which are to be found out by the attending physician.
Lipoma or, as such a lump on the back of the neck under the skin is also called, a wen is a round-shaped benign neoplasm that can have different sizes and be single or multiple. Such a seal is formed from the fat cells of the subcutaneous space, so it is quite soft to the touch.
If the lump on the back of the neck really is a lipoma, then it does not pose any danger to human health.But it can interfere, or else cause aesthetic discomfort. Also, wen can grow over time, so it is recommended to get rid of them.
The ball on the neck washes to be a cyst – a neoplasm that has a rounded shape and a cavity filled with pathological contents. The exudate can consist of lymph, pus, particles of subcutaneous fat, dust and sweat (with blockage of the sebaceous ducts of the skin).
One cannot joke with such a neoplasm, since cysts, despite their initially benign nature, can sometimes become malignant.That is, to degenerate into a cancerous tumor.
Important! If a ball appears under the skin on the neck on the right or left, and there is a suspicion that it is really a cyst, then in no case should it be squeezed out! This is extremely dangerous due to the introduction of infection with the subsequent formation of an abscess. In addition, due to the extrusion of the cyst, a rapid progression of the pathological process is possible.
A lump on the neck under the skin on the right, left, or on both sides at once may indicate the development of a nodular goiter.This is a disease of the thyroid gland, accompanied by the appearance of a lump, which is prone to enlargement. As it grows, it becomes noticeable, and can cause symptoms in the form of hoarseness, tightness of the voice, causeless sore throat, perspiration, discomfort in the larynx, etc.
Goiter is a hormone-dependent tumor of the thyroid gland, which has a benign character. But if untreated, such a lump on the neck can lead to extremely dangerous complications.
A very dangerous cause of the formation of a subcutaneous seal on the neck is cancer – medullary, papillary, thyroid carcinoma, etc.e. Such pathologies pose a threat not only to health, but also to the patient’s life, since they are prone to rapid progression and metastasis.
How to understand that a tumor on the neck is really malignant? This can be suspected by 3 criteria:
- neoplasm hard and very hard to the touch,
- the tumor is painful,
- tubercle does not go away for a long period of time.
These symptoms require immediate attention and medical attention.Otherwise, the consequences can be life-threatening.
A lump on the lymph node on the neck in some patients is a symptom of lymphogranulomatosis. It is an oncological disease that affects the human lymphatic system. It is no less dangerous than thyroid cancer, although it takes much longer to develop and is sometimes completely asymptomatic.
Inflammation of the hair follicle with the subsequent appearance of a lump on the back of the neck in the back of the head is called folliculitis.This is a very unpleasant and painful phenomenon, which is often a concomitant symptom of certain pathologies: diabetes mellitus, primary immunodeficiency, etc.
A furuncle is a purulent growth on the skin that looks like a bump on the back or front of the neck. Such seals are single and multiple, have different sizes and depths. But they can lead to purulent fusion of tissues, so they must be treated without fail.
Peculiarities of treatment of cervical tubercles
A lump on the neck on the right back, or in any other part of the skin of this zone, can be treated only after the exact reasons for its appearance have been clarified.Otherwise, therapy will either not give results, or will further aggravate the situation.
So, if a small ball on the neck under the skin became the result of inflammation of the lymph nodes, then it is not it that needs to be treated, but the disease that caused its appearance – sore throat, flu, bronchitis, exacerbated chronic tonsillitis, stomatitis, caries, pharyngitis, etc. various medications are used, ranging from antiseptics to antiviral and expectorant drugs.
If even after this the swelling of the lymph node does not go away, then the skin in the area of the tubercle is recommended to be treated with Tetracycline or Erythromycin ointments.Systemic or injectable antibiotics are less commonly used.
A lump on the neck on the right, which does not hurt, but interferes, if it is a sign of a wen or cyst, is treated with surgery. The same method of treatment is used for furunculosis.
To begin with, the lump is opened with a scalpel, after which its contents are evacuated. If the seal is not too large, the doctor may clean it with a puncture. But it is important to understand one thing: that you cannot take any measures on your own to treat a cyst, boil or wen.Moreover, such a seal on the back of the head in an adult or child should not be pressed, otherwise an infection can be introduced.
Sometimes boils can be treated without surgery, using ointments. But they cannot be heated, since heat can accelerate the process of purulent fusion of tissues. And since a boil is one of the most common reasons why a ball appears under the skin on the back of the head in children, it is better to refuse self-medication.
Treatment of goiter is carried out through the use of hormonal drugs.For large nodes, surgical intervention may be prescribed.
If an adult has a lump on his neck due to an oncological process, then in this case, conservative treatment (radiation or chemotherapy) will be quite long. Surgery will be performed if necessary. But if the lumps on the neck are malignant, it is possible that after a certain amount of time, a relapse of oncological pathology may occur, and neoplasms will appear again.
What to do if a bump jumped under the skin on the neck on the right, left or back
Most people consider a lump on the neck to be just an inflammation of the lymph nodes. But there are other reasons for the appearance of bumps in the neck area, some of them do not pose a particular threat to health, while others are dangerous and can cause the development of serious complications.Therefore, the lump that appears on the neck should not be ignored. As soon as possible, you should see a doctor who, based on the diagnosis made, will be able to prescribe an appropriate effective treatment.
What could be a lump on your neck?
Having found a ball on the neck, some people panic, because the inflamed part of the body is close to the head, and, accordingly, to the brain. Most people start to worry about the upcoming treatment. But instead, you need to see a doctor who will prescribe the necessary tests, examine the patient and establish the correct diagnosis.
There are several reasons for the appearance of a lump on the neck in a child and an adult:
- cancerous tumors.
Lymph nodes on the side of the neck often become inflamed, especially with weakened immunity and diseases. With timely treatment, this pathology quickly disappears without causing any complications.
Each of these pathologies has individual characteristics that can be used to diagnose one or another ailment.But to confirm the diagnosis, you will need to pass a certain list of tests at a doctor’s appointment.
The safest cause of a lump on the neck, which does not entail the development of serious complications, and does not require specific treatment, is a lipoma. Lipoma can occur anywhere on the neck, as well as in other parts of the human body. Due to the fact that the lipoma is a seal of adipose tissue, it is often called a wen.
In most cases, lipoma does not require any treatment, since such a formation is benign.The bump on the side of the neck can be large or small. Very rarely, lipomas grow to a solid size; in such situations, the doctor prescribes surgical treatment, which consists in removing the growing adipose tissue. Such operations are well tolerated and cosmetic in nature.
In exceptional cases, lipomas grow rapidly, putting pressure on other tissues. If a wen is located on the neck, it can lead to squeezing of blood vessels, complication of breathing, in which case the doctor will prescribe an urgent operation.
If the lipoma does not grow, it is not removed. On palpation, a person does not feel any pain, the wen itself can mix under the skin within half a centimeter in either direction.
A more dangerous pathology may be atheroma. Such a seal on the neck occurs due to a blockage of the sebaceous gland. As a result of such a defect, a cyst is formed. Fatty substances, epithelial cells begin to accumulate in the cyst. Atheroma often occurs in the neck area close to the scalp.She is very similar in appearance to a lipoma. The structural difference between these pathologies is that atheroma attaches to the affected gland, despite the fact that it also retains mobility and elasticity. In the middle of the atheroma, you can see the sebaceous gland duct, which is represented as a darkened point on the neoplasm.
Such pathologies are dangerous because they often begin to fester.
As a result of inflammatory processes, accompanied by the appearance of pus, atheromas actively grow, give a person a lot of unpleasant sensations and pain.In many patients, there is an acute issue of trauma to the upper layer of atheroma in order to eliminate pus. It is worth considering that when the membrane of the neoplasm ruptures, all the contents, along with pus, are outside. A person needs to immediately contact a physician to completely eliminate the cyst capsule. Such treatment of the affected area will eliminate the risk of recurrence.
Fibroma may appear as a lump on the neck. This pathology is a bulge with a compacted structure, a rounded shape.In this case, the fibroma has clear boundaries. Such bumps on the back of the neck are painless, they do not change the color of the skin. Only in some cases does a pinkish tint appear.
Fibroma is a benign neoplasm, a person gets a predisposition to its appearance by inheritance. Also, such bumps can appear after trauma, inflammatory processes. The seal develops slowly, increasing in size. In rare cases, fibroma can develop to a malignant tumor. Fibroma treatment consists in the use of a surgical method, while the person is not hospitalized.
The appearance of a bump on the neck, located on the right or left side of the spine, may be associated with the development of a neurogenic tumor. A neurogenic tumor is a type of cyst that appears on the borderline parasympathetic nerve trunk or branches. When you press the bump that appears, there is no pain.
The reason for the appearance of such formations, bumps can be an injury. Also, neurogenic tumors can grow in size.Such cysts can be of a different nature: neuroma, neurofibroma, ganglioneuroma.
If a person does not adhere to the rules of personal hygiene, a furuncle may appear on his neck. Boils also develop against the background of weakened immunity, hypothermia of the body. These bumps are a purulent inflammatory process localized in the hair follicle. The inflammation begins due to infection of damaged skin by pathogenic microorganisms.
The lump develops gradually.At first, it does not even stand out and is not visible visually, but the development of a boil can be suspected by the itching that appears. Also, when pressed, the itchy area will hurt. Puffiness forms in 3-4 days. A dense purulent core appears in the center of the inflammation.
Only surgical methods are used to treat a boil. After the operation, the patient is under long-term medical supervision, while examinations and treatment of the wound are regularly carried out. In no case should you self-medicate with a boil, since the wrong choice of methods of therapy can lead to serious complications. The most dangerous of them is considered to be blood poisoning: the infection spreads through the blood vessels throughout the body, enters the sinuses of the brain, provoking a noticeable weakening of health, and in some cases death.
Enlarged lymph nodes
One of the most common causes of a lump is inflammation of the cervical lymph nodes. It is not difficult to recognize this pathology, it is enough to know its main characteristics:
- a lump is localized on the side of the neck, near the ear or under the lower jaw;
- the seal is inactive;
- The inflamed lymph node hurts.
When the lymph node enlarges, the temperature rises, a headache appears, and general malaise is felt. Basically, the disease occurs in people with weakened immunity, as well as in those who have recently suffered or are sick with an infectious pathology. When a lymph node appears, care must be taken: if the lump does not hurt, the appearance of a lump may indicate the appearance of a malignant tumor. Such serious pathologies are called lymphogranulomatosis or lymphocytic leukemia.
What if it’s cancer?
In 80% of cases, a neoplasm, a growth that grows on the neck is a benign formation that can be effectively treated without causing dangerous complications. But in 20% of cases, it is impossible to talk about any harmlessness of the lump, since it is a cancerous tumor.
Such neoplasms are often formed in those people who have a large number of bad habits, for example: alcohol abuse, tobacco products, drugs.But in some cases, pathology develops on the neck and in people leading a healthy lifestyle.
Tumors of a malignant nature are characterized by the absence of pain syndrome. In this case, pain does not occur even when pressing on the lump. To recognize the development of a malignant neoplasm, you need to contact a doctor. It must be remembered that the earlier the disease was detected, the more effective the treatment will be. According to statistics, in most cases, the treatment of cancer in the early stages of development is carried out successfully.
How to treat lumps on the neck?
To cure a lump in the neck, you need to know what kind of tumor it is. It is worth considering that photographs viewed in encyclopedias or on Internet sites are not suitable for diagnosing a disease. This is due to the fact that most of the diseases manifested by the appearance of a lump on the neck are similar in appearance.
For example, a small lipoma may look exactly like an early-stage cancer, and vice versa.Therefore, before starting therapy, it is imperative to visit a physician who will identify the pathology and recommend effective treatment.
If the lump on the neck is an inflamed lymph node, doctors prescribe medications to the patient to cure the underlying infection that affects the body. In addition to this therapy, a course of drugs is prescribed, the action of which is aimed at strengthening the immune system. On the territory of the Russian Federation, UHF therapy, multivitamin complexes, immunomodulators are often prescribed.These drugs can be of plant or synthetic origin. She is selected against the background of the nature of the course of the disease, the individual characteristics of the patient.
Some people believe that when the lymph nodes become inflamed, they need to be warmed up. But this cannot be done. This is due to the fact that under the influence of elevated temperature, blood flow is activated, the movement of lymph, because of this, the likelihood of infection spreading to other parts of the human body increases.
A surgical method is used to treat painful sensations caused by boils. The therapy is carried out under the supervision of a physician, while it has a fairly long duration. If, after the treatment, a furuncle reappears on the body of a healthy person, the patient is assigned a general examination to identify the cause of the relapse and restore its protective functions.
For the treatment of lipomas, atheroma, fibroids, folk recipes are often used. It is worth considering that such funds can give a short-term positive result.The fact is that under the influence of increased blood flow, movement of lymph, the contents of the formed capsules are resorbed. But the walls of the cyst, the capsules do not dissolve, which is why adipose tissue, epithelial cells, and other tissues gradually begin to accumulate in them. As a result of such treatment, after a while, a relapse occurs, and in the same place.
Therefore, only a doctor can fully assess the symptoms, and only a doctor can prescribe treatment. If a lump occurs on the neck, you need to make an appointment with him as soon as possible, without self-medication, which can only aggravate the situation.
Lump on the neck: dangerous or not?
Lumps on the neck are stressful and frightening, although often there is nothing dangerous about them. We tell you what a simple bump can be, how to find out and what to do next.
A lump on the neck can appear for a variety of reasons: from the common cold or boil to malignant neoplasms. Do not panic if you find a seal – first you need to understand its nature.
What could it be?
Lumps in the neck often cause fear for health – too close to large arteries, spinal cord and brain. But they are not always dangerous – malignant formations are rare. Although, in any case, you should play it safe and consult a doctor.
Relatively safe seals are:
- Lipoma (wen) – accumulation of fat in places unusual for it. Such a tumor is absolutely safe, but it can be removed for cosmetic purposes.
- Furuncle – purulent inflammation of the hair follicle. It appears with weakened immunity, frequent illnesses, lack of vitamins and infections with diabetes mellitus. The boil develops very quickly and causes severe pain. It is worth contacting the hospital in case of very severe edema.
- Fibroma is a benign tumor that appears at the sites of injuries or scratches where the infection has entered. It almost never degenerates into a malignant, completely painless and safe.
- Enlarged lymph nodes are a constant companion of infectious diseases. Lymphadenitis disappears over time on its own. But if, when you press on the knot, you feel pain and feel dense balls in its place, if there is a temperature, consult a doctor.
Urgent intervention of specialists is required by such neoplasms as:
- Atheroma is a blockage of the sebaceous gland, usually near the hair follicle. Fat cells and epithelium accumulate in it, suppuration may begin.Outwardly, atheroma can be confused with lipoma, but it is painful and differs in color. Usually atheromas appear in people with seborrhea, hyperhidrosis, or acne.
- The cyst of the neck is a hollow formation filled with fluid. It is dangerous in that a purulent process and a malignant tumor can quickly develop in it.
- Neurogenic tumors – develop at the endings of the nerve trunks. Usually they are safe, but there are also malignant tumors, the treatment of which includes chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
- Lymphogranulomatosis – malignant enlargement of the lymph nodes. May go unnoticed for a long time due to general well-being.
- Chemodectoma is an overgrowth of vascular and nerve cells. It is very difficult to remove it, often during the operation it is necessary to completely dissect the arteries.
- Oncology of adjacent organs – the thyroid gland, throat, larynx, trachea may be affected. It is from their disease that metastases most often appear on the neck.They are difficult to detect in the initial stages, since the tumor is painless and does not cause discomfort. Only a specialist can correctly diagnose it.
A lump on the neck can appear anywhere: on the side, behind, under the hair, near the spine. But some types of bumps on the neck can be easily identified precisely by their location.
If you find a lump on the right or left side of the neck, it is most likely:
If there is a lump on the back of the neck, especially near the spine, it is worth suspecting a neurogenic tumor and even malignant tumors. And atheroma is most often located behind the hairline. But it can be on any part of the neck, if there are single hairs there.
What will help in the diagnosis?
Since malignant neoplasms in the early stages do not cause discomfort, do not postpone going to the doctor at the first symptoms.
First of all, it is advisable to take MRI scans of the cervical region (soft tissues). They will help determine the size of the formation, their relationship with neighboring tissues and blood vessels. It will be easier for the specialist to make the correct diagnosis.
The choice of a specialist depends on what the seal is. With enlarged lymph nodes, you can contact a therapist who can determine the cause of the disease and prescribe treatment. The dermatologist will help with skin conditions and advise on cosmetic surgery if you want to remove a safe formation.Some diseases, for example, a cyst of the neck, are formed near a close focus of infection: it can be advanced caries, tonsillitis, tonsillitis. In these cases, you will need to visit a dentist and an otolaryngologist. An endocrinologist can help you if you have a thyroid disorder. You will be referred to an oncologist if cancer is suspected. And you can contact the surgeon about neoplasms that must be removed and are not treated with medication.
All doctors at the appointment will first conduct a visual examination. For a high-quality diagnosis, any pictures and research done earlier will come in handy.However, you may be sent for additional tests, including repeat MRI scans. Most often, ultrasound, X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography are used to study education. In addition, you may be scheduled for a biopsy (taking a tissue sample for analysis) and subsequent histological examination.
How to cure a lump on the neck?
Almost all formations can be removed surgically. But sometimes this is not necessary. For example, boils can be treated with disinfectants and antimicrobial agents.
Check with your doctor about the nature of your seal. If there is any doubt about its safety, treatment should be started immediately. The main problem is that benign formations can turn into malignant ones. This means that you cannot treat them lightly.
Can problems be avoided?
Unfortunately, not always. The tendency to lipomas and fibromas is inherited, cysts and chemodectomas also do not depend on health and lifestyle. But other types of tumors can be fought.
- Lead a healthy lifestyle, give up bad habits: this significantly reduces the risk of getting cancer.
- Treat skin diseases in time, be attentive to the injuries received.
- Do not delay a visit to the doctor if a seal is found – this way you can avoid serious complications.
In addition, it is advisable to engage in at least light physical activity and monitor your general health. Well, if you do find a lump in your neck, do not worry in vain.See a specialist, do an MRI of the soft tissues of the neck and strictly follow the doctor’s recommendations.
A lump in the form of a ball appeared, what can it be and how is it treated?
A small subcutaneous ball in the neck on the left or right can be a signal of the development of a serious disease or inflammatory process in the body. It is impossible to determine on your own what it is and why it appeared.There is only one sure way out of this situation – it is to visit a specialist as soon as possible and undergo a thorough examination. Seeing a doctor is a mandatory procedure, even if the lump does not hurt and does not cause inconvenience.
- What is the seal on the neck
- Reasons for the appearance of
- How to recognize a disease
- Diagnosis and treatment of disease
- Ball under the skin on the neck of a child
What is the seal on the neck
An internal lump on the neck is a dense formation under the skin that is easy to see and feel with your fingers.Most often, the appearance of a seal is not accompanied by any symptoms, it may even disappear for a while or move a little. It is customary to single out the following factors that are taken into account when making a diagnosis:
- This is a single formation or multiple balls on the neck under the skin;
- benign or malignant tumor;
- accompanied by pain or discomfort;
- that have arisen for a long time and do not bring pain;
- mobile and stationary formations.
A seal in an adult can appear anywhere on the neck: behind the hair, on the right or left side near the lymph nodes or collarbones. Symptoms for each area are often different, depending on the cause.
Reasons for the appearance of
There are many reasons for the appearance of a lump, most of them are not dangerous to human life, but still you should not postpone a visit to the doctor.
- Cyst. This benign formation practically does not hurt, has a small size about a pea and does not differ in rigidity when pressed from other parts of the body.During palpation, the ball rolls under the skin and even disappears, but then reappears. However, a cyst is dangerous, as there is often lymph, pus, or other fluid inside the lump. The reason for the appearance of a cyst is an infection under the skin with further blockage of the sebaceous glands.
- Lipoma is a soft lump on the neck under the skin. Its development is painless, and does not cause discomfort during probing. It is removed if a hard ball under the skin hurts when pressed or itches severely.In the absence of symptoms, the seal may not be cut.
- Folliculitis is another reason why a slight lump appears on the skin. The disease appears when infection or dirt enters the hair follicles, where the inflammatory process develops. In most cases, people with overweight, diabetes or weak immunity are susceptible to this ailment. In this case, it is not required to delete education. For treatment, a course of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs is sufficient.
- Furuncle is a purulent inflammation of the hair follicle.You can identify the problem by severe itching and pain during pressing. Such a seal appears when personal hygiene is violated, a weak immune system, or hypothermia. The development of the boil occurs within 2-4 days. These days, the seal gradually increases in size, acquires a red tint, hurts a lot and has a whitish core – pus.
- Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck on the side, left or right. It is characterized by mild pressing pain in the area of the enlargement, as well as near the ear or under the lower jaw.Several lymph nodes can become inflamed at once, for example, in the armpits or groin. In addition, a person experiences severe headache, weakness or chills, and the temperature rises to 37-38 degrees. This happens when a virus enters or during an inflammatory process of any organ. Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck on the right or left without pain are a dangerous signal. At this time, lymphogranuloma or lymphocytic leukemia can develop in the body.
- A malignant tumor is characterized by a hard structure that, when pressed, resembles a stone.During probing, severe pain appears, the formation practically does not shift to the side. With the development of a malignant process, the tumor does not go away on its own, but only increases in size. A painful lump often occurs when cancer cells appear in the lymph nodes or the thyroid gland.
Self-diagnosis and treatment is not a good idea. Otherwise, the symptoms may subside and the disease will remain asymptomatic. This will make it difficult to make a correct diagnosis and prescribe an effective therapy.
How to recognize a disease
When a ball appears under the skin on the neck, a person may not feel the deterioration at all. You should carefully observe the well-being and behavior of the seal.
During the development of malignant tumors, a person sometimes does not experience pain in the induration area. The bump often reaches large sizes and is visible with the naked eye, even under clothing. Most often, cancer is accompanied by weakness, chills, loss of strength, itching, loss of appetite, sudden weight loss and fever up to 38 degrees.
If the lump is a wen or atheroma, then it does not hurt and moves under the skin. The boil develops quickly and brings severe pain, as well as itching and redness of the tissues.
Diagnosis and treatment of the disease
To find out exactly the diagnosis and start treatment, you should first visit the surgeon. The doctor sends the patient for an ultrasound examination and, possibly, to an oncologist. However, this does not mean that a malignant tumor has been found in the body.A thorough examination by several doctors helps to exclude some diagnoses and prescribe an effective therapy. Other necessary procedures for the study may also be prescribed: complete blood count, X-ray, biochemistry and biopsy. In order not to smear the picture of the disease, it is not recommended to use drugs before going to a specialist, and, moreover, to try to squeeze out or open a subcutaneous ball.
After passing the necessary diagnostic procedures, the patient is prescribed treatment.The following treatment regimen is possible:
- taking antibiotics, anti-inflammatory or antiviral drugs when an infectious disease is confirmed;
- a small incision or puncture to remove fluid from a cyst and a wen;
- Surgical removal of a cancerous tumor, wen or cyst.
You can relieve inflammation using folk methods, for example, compresses with medicinal herbs, honey, lard or Vishnevsky’s ointment. It is strictly forbidden to use iodine or alcohol! They have a warming effect and increase the inflammatory process.
90,000 The main thing about the new coronavirus and the COVID-19 pandemic. What to do and what to expect?
SARS-CoV-2 is spread with tiny droplets of mucus. It is believed that the main route of transmission is directly from person to person: one coughed, sneezed, or just said something – and the virus, along with saliva, got into another’s mouth, nose or eyes. There are four rules to follow to reduce your risk.
First, stand at least one or two meters from people, and from everyone, since the absence of symptoms does not mean anything.This distance is indicated in the official guidelines. But a recent scientific article by physicist Lydia Buruiba of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology showed that when you sneeze, droplets of mucus scatter seven to eight meters. Fortunately, COVID-19 patients sneeze relatively rarely, and it is not known whether enough viral particles can enter the body from such a distance.
Second, wash your hands and face more often and thoroughly. Regular soap is no worse than antibacterial. For the virus to collapse, you need to wait at least 20 seconds.It is also worth keeping an alcohol-based disinfectant with you. Official recommendations state that the concentration of alcohol should be 60-70%, but the experiments of Swiss scientists have shown that 30% ethanol or propanol is enough.
Soap and alcohol dry the skin, because of this, wounds can form on it, where not SARS-CoV-2, but something else will get. This is not in the official recommendations, but it seems reasonable to use a cream before going to bed (at night nothing will stick to the skin).
Third, don’t touch your face. This is the hardest part. Try to keep your hands busy with something like a pencil. Another trick is to smear the brush with something odorous: the smell will help you to think again in time. And as a last resort, you can wear rubber gloves: they discourage touching yourself.
Fourth, do not shake hands, do not hug or kiss when you meet. It is generally better to postpone meetings until better times.
Don’t worry about looking stupid. There is an epidemic around, and there are already enough sad stories about people who chose to behave as if nothing had happened and paid for it.
It is also possible that you can become infected if you touch a dirty doorknob or some other thing, and then touch your face. It is known that SARS-CoV-2 remains on surfaces (especially for a long time – on plastic and stainless steel), but how dangerous it is at the same time is unclear. It is believed that the risk is low, but still exists, so outside the home it is worth touching objects as little as possible and wiping your hands with a disinfectant.
Influenza – Module from the sovetnmo system.ru. (4 + 10 tasks): continuing medical education test
A 17-year-old patient has progressive shortness of breath that turns into dyspnea, pink sputum, chest pains, increasing weakness within 2 days. Body temperature 38.4 ° C, headache, runny nose. The condition is serious, restless, sitting in bed, the skin of the face is hyperemic, cyanosis of the lips, injection of the sclera vessels, bright hyperemia of the mucous membrane of the pharynx with single hemorrhages and granularity. Respiratory rate (RR) – up to 48 per minute.Breathing is noisy, bubbling. In the lungs, over the entire surface, various moist rales are heard in large quantities. The phlegm is frothy, bloody. Pulse 110 per minute. Blood pressure (BP) 100/50 mm Hg
– Influenza complicated by pneumonia
A 25-year-old patient complains on the 7th day of illness: chills, body temperature 39 ° C, severe weakness, severe sore throat when swallowing, difficulty in nasal breathing. On examination: the skin is pale, maculopapular pink rash, the cervical lymph nodes are enlarged, the oropharynx is brightly hyperemic, the tonsils are enlarged, there are white-yellow plaques in the lacunae, the liver is enlarged by 3 cm from under the edge of the costal arch.
– Infectious mononucleosis
A 26-year-old patient woke up in the middle of the night from a sudden difficulty in breathing, feeling short of breath. The day before, he complained of severe cough, nasal congestion, sore throat, hoarseness, body temperature 37.8 ° C. The ambulance doctor revealed: aphonia, paroxysmal, rough barking cough, wheezing, inspiratory dyspnea, NPV 32 per minute, pale skin, covered with cold sweat, acrocyanosis. The patient is restless, there is a subfebrile fever up to 37.7 ° C.Heart rate (HR) – 140 per minute, blood pressure 100/60 mm Hg.
The patient, 44 years old, complains of headache, pain in the eyeballs, body aches, fever up to 39 ° C, dry cough, nasal congestion. She fell ill acutely the night before. I had contact with someone with the flu at work. Objectively: the state of moderate severity, the face is hyperemic, the sclera are injected, the lymph nodes are not enlarged, the tonsils, uvula, arches are swollen, hyperemic, with a slight cyanotic shade, vesicular breathing, pulse 95 per minute, BP 100/70 mm Hg.Art.
Which drug should be used first?
– Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
A 42-year-old patient presented on the first day of illness. He fell ill acutely. Body temperature 39.5 ° C. Chills, headache localized in the frontal region, the region of the eyebrows, cough, runny nose. The skin is moist, the face is hyperemic, vascular injection of the sclera, conjunctiva. Vesicular breathing, NPV 18 per minute, breathes through the mouth. Muffled heart sounds, pulse 102 bpm, blood pressure 120/80 mm Hg.Art. The abdomen is soft, the liver and spleen are not enlarged. The pharynx is brightly hyperemic, swelling of the soft palate, arches and uvula with abundant granularity.
1. What is your diagnosis?
2. What laboratory tests are appropriate to prescribe?
– PCR diagnostics to determine the RNA of the influenza virus
3. Select a drug for etiotropic therapy
– Oseltamivir (Tamiflu)
A 34-year-old patient was admitted to the clinic of infectious diseases with complaints of a sharp hoarse voice, “barking” cough , at times (especially at night) difficulty breathing.Considers himself sick for 5 days. He fell ill gradually, the body temperature rose to 37.4 ° C, general weakness, a slight headache, and a runny nose appeared. Later, dryness, rawness in the pharynx, dry cough joined. An objective examination revealed hyperemia of the pharynx and the posterior pharyngeal wall. On the part of other organs, the pathology was not revealed.
1. What disease should you think about?
2. What methods of laboratory diagnostics need to be carried out?
– RSK with respiratory diagnostics
3.Select a drug for etiotropic therapy
– Methylphenylthiomethyl-dimethylaminomethyl-hydroxybromindole carboxylic acid ethyl ester (arbidol)
Patient, 34 years old, was admitted to the clinic of infectious diseases with complaints of general weakness, chills, lower back pain, more on the left, frequent urination. Ill for 10 days. The disease began acutely with an increase in body temperature to 40 ° C, intense headache in the brow ridges, a feeling of nasal congestion, dry cough, and general severe weakness.Was examined by a doctor and diagnosed with influenza. On the 3rd day, the body temperature dropped and was normal for 3 days. After 3 days, the body temperature rose again to 38 ° C and the listed symptoms appeared. She has a history of angina, acute respiratory disease, chronic pyelonephritis.
1. What disease can you think of in this case?
– Influenza, complicated course
2. What tests need to be prescribed additionally?
– Urine tests for bacterial culture and according to Nechiporenko
3.What drug is needed for etiotropic therapy?
– Benzylpenicillin (penicillin)
A 42-year-old patient complains of headache, dizziness, pain in the eyeballs, weakness, sweating, severe weakness, sore throat, nasal congestion, repeated nosebleeds. The first day of illness: body temperature 38.9 ° C. The skin is moist. The face and neck are hyperemic. The scleral vessels are sharply injected. Muffled heart sounds, pulse 98 per minute, blood pressure 100/70 mm Hg.Art. Spilled hyperemia of the pharynx with a bluish tinge, granularity of the posterior pharyngeal wall. There are scattered dry rales in the lungs, the tongue is moist, coated with a thick white bloom, the liver and spleen are not enlarged. Stool and urination are not disturbed. Complete blood count: erythrocytes 4.3 × 1012, leukocytes 4.9 × 109, stab neutrophils 2%, segmented neutrophils 58%, lymphocytes 30%, monocytes 10%, ESR 15 mm / h.
1. What kind of disease can you think of?
– Influenza, 2nd degree toxicosis
2. Select the leading clinical syndrome:
3.What means of pathogenetic therapy will you prescribe?
– Meglumine sodium succinate (reamberin)
A 33-year-old female patient came to see a local general practitioner complaining of intense headache, with predominant localization in the temporal regions, runny nose, cough accompanied by chest pain. She fell ill acutely. There were chills, pain in the eyeballs, body temperature 39.8 ° C. The patient notes that a week ago her husband was hospitalized in the clinic for infectious diseases.The husband’s diagnosis was confirmed bacteriologically: meningococcal meningitis. Objectively: facial flushing, conjunctivitis, pulse 92 / min, no meningeal signs.
1. Make a preliminary diagnosis:
– Influenza, 2nd degree toxicosis
2. What measures should be taken in relation to this patient?
3. With what diseases is it necessary to carry out differential diagnosis?
– Meningococcal infection
A patient, 18 years old, went to the clinic on the 4th day of the disease with complaints of general weakness, minor headache, pain in the eyes, watery eyes, runny nose, cough, low-grade body temperature.The disease began gradually with the symptoms listed above. On objective examination: the skin is moist, the pharynx is swollen, slightly hyperemic. The injection of the vessels of the sclera and conjunctiva is expressed, the parotid, submandibular, cervical, axillary lymph nodes are palpable. Scattered dry rales in the lungs. Heart sounds are clear. Pulse 74 / min. BP 120/80 mm Hg Tongue moist, slightly coated with white bloom. The liver and spleen are enlarged. The general condition of the patient is satisfactory.
1. What disease can you think of?
– Adenovirus infection
2.What laboratory diagnostic methods can be used?
– RSK for the determination of antibodies to adenoviruses
3. Choose a means of etiotropic therapy:
– Imidazolylethanamide of pentanedioic acid (Ingavirin)
Patient, 45 years old, complains of shortness of breath, cough with copious sputum of yellowish-green color sternum when coughing. He fell ill 10 days ago, when the body temperature rose to 38.4 ° C, sore throat, dry, harsh cough, headache, pain in the eyebrows.On the 2nd day, I called a doctor. He was diagnosed with influenza and prescribed treatment: umifenovir 1 tablet 4 times a day, diphenhydramine 1 tablet 2 times a day, cough medicine. However, the therapy was not effective. On objective examination, the body temperature is 37.8 ° C, herpes on the lips, minor acrocyanosis. In the lungs below the angle of the right scapula, there is a shortening of the percussion sound. In the same area, medium and fine bubbling rales are heard. The tones are muffled, the pulse is 94 per minute. The liver and spleen are not enlarged.Stool and urination are normal. In the analysis of blood leukocytosis up to 10 × 109, ESR 32 mm / h.
1. Make a clinical diagnosis:
2. What complication does the patient have?
– Community-acquired pneumonia
3. Make a choice of a drug for this complication:
A patient, 30 years old, was admitted on the 3rd day of illness in a serious condition: comes into contact with great difficulty, inhibited, at times leg cramps appear.Complaints of severe headache in the temporal regions, vomiting, dizziness, short-term loss of consciousness. According to relatives, she fell ill acutely, when the chills appeared, within 3 hours the body temperature rose to 40 ° C. Disturbed by a headache in the eyebrows and temporal regions, a soreness in the throat and behind the sternum, dry cough, pain in the muscles of the whole body. On objective examination: body temperature 40.1 ° C. The patient is inhibited. Answers questions with difficulty. Severe leg and arm cramps. The face is hyperemic, puffy, vascular injection of the sclera.Bright hyperemia of the pharynx. Granularity of the soft palate. Shortness of breath 28 per minute. Heart sounds are muffled. Pulse 102 per minute, BP 100/60 mm Hg. Tongue dry, coated with brown bloom. The abdomen is soft and painless. The liver and spleen are not enlarged. The stool is prone to constipation. Urination is painless, but the daily urine output is somewhat reduced. There is no stiffness of the occipital muscles and no pathological reflexes. Complete blood count: leukocytes 4.0 × 109, eosinophils 0%, stab neutrophils 4%, segmented neutrophils 64%, lymphocytes 26%, monocytes 6%, ESR 20 mm / h.
1. Make a clinical diagnosis:
– Influenza, 3rd degree toxicosis, cerebral edema
2. Select the leading clinical syndrome:
3. What condition should be stopped first?
– hemodynamic disorders
A patient, 45 years old, complains of a cough with a small amount of sputum, a runny nose with a small serous compartment, general weakness, weakness. She fell ill acutely 12 days ago, when chills appeared, headache in the forehead, superciliary arches, in the temporal regions, sore throat, general weakness.The body temperature rose to 39.2 ° C. Objectively: facial flushing. The skin is moist, the tones are muffled, heart rate 92 per minute, blood pressure 90/40 mm Hg. Spilled hyperemia of the pharynx. Granularity of the posterior pharyngeal wall. In the lungs, hard breathing, dry scattered wheezing. From other internal organs without changes. The body temperature for the first 6 days of the disease remained at 39.2-39.5 ° C, and then dropped critically to subfebrile (37.5-37.6 ° C). At the same time, the cough intensified, which was accompanied by greenish sputum.From the anamnesis of life it is known that for 3 years the patient suffers from chronic bronchitis. When examining the patient on the 12th day of illness, there are no percussion changes in the lungs, harsh breathing throughout, a large number of dry (whistling) and wet (large-bubble) wheezes are heard. Leukocytosis 9100, ESR 23 mm / h.
1. Make a clinical diagnosis:
– Influenza complicated by exacerbation of chronic bronchitis
2. How to explain the prolonged subfebrile condition?
– Exacerbation of the background disease
3.What drug should be prescribed to the patient from the first day of the illness?
A 34-year-old patient was admitted to the infectious diseases department with complaints of a sore throat, intense headache in the temporal regions. The movement of the eyeballs is sharply painful. Considers himself sick for 2 days, when the body temperature rises to 38.6 ° C and the symptoms listed above appear. After taking acetylsalicylic acid (aspirin), the temperature dropped only for a few hours.On examination: herpes on the lips, the face is hyperemic, vascular injection of the sclera, swelling and hyperemia of the pharynx. In the lungs, breathing is vesicular. Heart sounds are muffled. BP 110/60 mm Hg, pulse 96 per minute. The liver and spleen are not enlarged. Physiological functions are not violated.
1. What disease can you think of?
2. Which side of the epidemiological history should you pay attention to?
– Lack of influenza immunization
3. What drugs should be prescribed first?
– Caffeine + paracetamol + terpene hydrate + phenylephrine + [ascorbic acid] (coldrex)
90,000 How is Sputnik V vaccine tolerated? How to get vaccinated? | e1.ru
22-year-old Peter, asthmatic, told about his feelings after the vaccine was administered:
– I received the first component of the vaccine on December 30, 2020. It was about 11 am. An hour and a half later, painful sensations appeared at the injection site, redness, swelling. However, after 3-4 hours, these symptoms completely disappeared, as it turned out, for a while. After about 7–8 hours (that is, at the end of the working day), a strong weakness appeared very quickly – I wanted to sleep.So that day I fell asleep very early (at 9 pm). I woke up at 02:30 and felt very weak. I decided to measure the temperature – 39.5. And here is the reaction in full swing. He took paracetamol, the temperature dropped to 38.2 by the morning. By the way, she stayed at this level for about two days. That is, 3 days after vaccination, absolutely all symptoms disappeared completely.
On January 20, I received the second component of the Sputnik V vaccine. The sensations were quite similar. In the evening, after vaccination, there was a strong weakness and chills – such that even two blankets did not save.In this “mode” I had to spend half the night, and by the morning the temperature rose to 39, and a symptom appeared that was not noted after the first vaccination – muscle pain. In fact, it was difficult to move around the apartment during the day. By the way, all our mini-group (“five”) of the vaccinated (1 bottle “Sputnik V” for 5 people) had exactly the same symptoms. Severe weakness, muscle pain persisted throughout the day, the temperature quickly dropped to 37.2 (after taking paracetamol), and two days after vaccination, all symptoms completely disappeared.
If you compare this condition with anything, you can say that it looks like a “flu-like” syndrome. You need to be mentally prepared for the fact that you can “fall out” for 1-2 days from the usual rhythm, but then everything is restored!
Thanks to our research institutes, they are the best in the world!
Don’t be afraid of the vaccine! The symptoms that arose in me and, as I could see, in the majority of those vaccinated, are quite typical and are caused by the introduction of a “foreign” substance into the body.
This is normal! After 1-2 days, all symptoms disappear without a trace, therefore, you should not be afraid of this in any case !!
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The procedure for filing and considering electronic applications of citizens
An appeal sent to the official website of the Ministry by e-mail must contain the surname, name, patronymic of the applicant, the mailing address to which the answer should be sent, contact phone number, the essence of the appeal (hereinafter referred to as the Internet appeal).
An Internet appeal received on the official website by e-mail is printed out, and further work with it is carried out in accordance with the established procedure in accordance with Federal Law No. 59-FZ of 05/02/2006 “On the Procedure for Considering Appeals of Citizens of the Russian Federation”, the administrative regulations for the provision by the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of the Stavropol Territory of the state service “Organization of reception of citizens, ensuring timely and full consideration of citizens’ appeals, making decisions on them and sending responses to applicants within the time period established by the legislation of the Russian Federation” (hereinafter – the Administrative Regulations).A notice of acceptance of the appeal is sent to the email address specified in the appeal.
To receive an Internet request from the applicant in the form of an electronic message, specialized software is used, which provides for the applicant to fill in the details necessary for working with requests and for a written response. The e-mail address of the applicant (legal representative) and the electronic digital signature are additional information.
Grounds for refusing to consider an Internet appeal, in addition to the grounds specified, in clause 2.9 of the Administrative Regulations are also:
- no address (postal or e-mail) for a reply;
- receipt of a duplicate of an already received email message;
- The content of the email message is incorrect.
A response to the applicant for an Internet appeal can be sent both in writing and in the form of an electronic message.
The applicant is guaranteed not to disclose without his consent the information contained in the Internet appeal, as well as information relating to the private life of a citizen.Information about the personal data of the applicants is stored and processed in compliance with the requirements of the Russian legislation on personal data.
Internet applications are submitted to the leadership of the Ministry for consideration.