Pea size lump on right side of neck.

[smashd_pumpkn]

Im a 25 year old female smoker. I noticed last night that I have a small lump on the right side of my next towards the middle. The lump is under the skin and it feels like it moves a little or maybe its the skin moving over it.  I was thinking it was a swollen lymph node but I haven't been sick or had any sort of infection. There is no pain at all which freaks me out! I do have night sweats some nights.  Does this sound like something I should be worried about? The reason I post it is because I don't have health insurance  and I'm poor. Just not poor enough for access

[smashd_pumpkn]

hmm, well it's still here. I do have neon green snot which is indicating to me that I do have an infection. No pain or anything at all. I guess it is time to go to the Dr. about this lol.

[smashd_pumpkn]

Thank you! I did just start dreadlocks and I do have some dandruff going on. I am also stressed out. Thank you both again so much for the suggestions!

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
Yes, the pea size lump could be a lymph node. You may not have been sick but local infections like dandruff or dermatitis or some thing non specific too can cause a lymph node to swell. The other possibility is a neurofibroma, which is a harmless collection of nerve and fibrous tissue. Watch the lump. Do not touch everyday but once in 10-15 days. If the lump increases in size, becomes painful, changes color, bleeds, changes shape or consistency or more similar lumps appear then consult a doctor.
Hope this helps. Take care!

[ErinBBC]

Hi!  It does sound to me like a swollen lymph node, I have an immune disease and I get them all the time, even when I'm not sick.  They can get swollen up because of allergies and stress as well, or you could have very minor infection or virus that isn't really causing you any symptoms besides the lymph node and the night sweats (which might be from a fever).  I wouldn't be surprised if it got bigger before it goes back down, so don't be too worried if that happens....mine have gotten as big as walnuts before.  If you don't end up coming down with a cold or something that would explain it and it stays swollen up longer than a few days I'd go see a doctor to be on the safe side.

Since you have limited funds and no insurance, I'd suggest trying to find a free clinic in your area, or going to a Walgreens or CVS that has a mini-clinic inside, they treat illnesses and minor emergencies and have price lists on their websites, where you can also find the one nearest you.  Last time my brother went (he has no insurance) he paid $65 including the antibiotics to treat a sinus infection.