Lump in neck

[graves1961]

I was treated for graves by iodine many years ago. I am on synthroid currently. I have developed a lump on the left side of my adams apple, even with it (not above or below). The lump is solid and i can move it a little bit. My throat is not sore, doesnt hurt when i swallow, doesnt hurt if  I touch around it, only if I touch the lump. Then it hurts very much. I developed this same lump about 6 months ago and the doctor dismissed it as stress/job related. It did go away a few days later. Any ideas as to what causes this or what it could be?

[Lauren de Moreno, MD]

You might require an ultrasound of the neck and thyroid for further evaluation of the lump as well as a fine needle aspiration (biopsy).  Tumors, whether cancerous or non-cancerous, can develop in the thyroid gland.  I would recommend further evaluation as soon as possible.

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

The swelling could be a lymph node. It could also be a sebaceous cyst, a boil or an insect bite. Lymph node enlargement is usually due to infections like bacterial and viral. Treatment is usually with antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications. So, consult your primary care physician for proper clinical assessment. In the meantime for pain relief you can use OTC Tylenol (acetaminophen).

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.