Large Lump On Left-side of Neck

[scoe]

Hello. I have a lump on the left side of my neck, half to an inch away from the shoulder It i think started 2 years ago (maybe earlier and i didn't think anything about it) beginning as a small lump (pea shape), which over the span of a week turns bigger and bigger to the size of a walnut. going from non-sensitive to very sensitive to touch as it grows, also as it progresses to get bigger it then turns pink into a very noticeable red (many co-workers thought i had a hickey on my neck). Its not unbearable pain, but uncomfortable. I believe I just left it alone back then and after a month or two it went away. Now 2 years later it returns, i believe the same spot. Im inclined to just let it alone and deal with the pain and look of it, but a little worried if it could get worse or if  it returns bigger and badder than before or future health risks. looking for a little advice on this, thanks.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
From the symptoms that you have mentioned, it can be a boil or an infected sebaceous cyst. Blocked sebaceous glands, swollen hair follicles and excessive testosterone production will cause such cysts.

Generally no treatment is required but they become painful then it means they are infected, Then surgical excision by traditional wide excision, minimal excision, and punch biopsy excision may be required. Apply warm compresses on the lump and keep the area clean. Drainage of the lump is done only when it becomes soft and forms a head. Take some over the counter pain reliever and consult a doctor for examination and discuss the above stated modes of treatment.

I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted in case you have any additional doubts. Kind regards.

[scoe]

Well. i got no replies so thanks for the help...

But in-case anyone else might have a similar case for the future. I'm almost certain what i had was a Boil, or an abscess/cyst.
  I let it run its coarse. thank god its healing itself.  

an overview.
-starts as a small lump no color
-grows withing a week no pain
-starts turning red week 2
-pain week3
-gets a lot bigger. size of a golf ball week 3. as a visual tape a golf ball to your neck and paint it red, that's what i looked like... work was excruciating.
-i applied lots of warmth to it after researching on the web for many hours thinking its probably a boil. sure enough 3 days of hot rags, and warmed up bottles of water pressed against it white heads formed on it. ( i did not squeeze! )  
-naturally and probably help of tossing and turning in bed / work strain    it has leaked a lot and is shrinking substantially. now it is  dime shaped lump. lighter red  flaky skin  and ITCHES badly. which i think it is just healing.

wrap up. if you get something similar. save yourself some stress and pain see a doctor!!!! i wished i could have.
(side note. use your spare bedsheets and blankets rather than your good set.. my comforter and sheets are basicly ruined with huge stains of puss :(   ...)

[scoe]

Update. It looks like a white head has surfaced!!!  so i think cancer is ruled out!!

its like a pin needled white head in the middle of a golf ball. im currently considering wheter to pop it now and have that little hole turn into a quarter sized hole. or  wait for white head to get bigger. i really dont know.

any advice or thoughts or anything would be a great help.

[scoe]

Golf Ball Emerging from my Neck. This is not good. It looks almost like a boil but... it cant be. it feels hard in there, maybe some sort of liquid. it is huge. it hurts to turn neck. not good.

[scoe]

Pain is increasing. i am losing the ability to turn head left work is becoming much more difficult. it feels like a golf ball is under my skin. I cant afford to go to a doctor yet my insurance doesn't kick in for a month. perhaps there is a non prescription drug i can take? Can anyone please help me?

[scoe]

Update, it is getting more painful, diameter is bigger than a quarter and warm to the touch