Right Supraclavicular Lymph Node

[Karina]

For some weeks now I've noticed that I have a slightly enlarged lymph node right above my collar bone on my right side.  What could be the reasons for this? I've read very frightening information on the internet saying that 90% of people over 40 have lung cancer when they have this symptom.  Is this true? I have had no infections of any sort for a long time and this node was not like this some months ago.  I went to a hematologist oncologist. He told me he was not very worried about it because it was small and moveable, but because it drains into the chest, he sent me for a chest x-ray. The results said that my lungs had a certain grade of hyperexpansion and hyperlucence, which could be associated with discrete signs of air entrapment. The radiologist recommended more follow up.  I have had bronchitis and mild asthma many years ago and have not suffered from that since I had allergy shots.  Also, under the jaw directly under the mouth, I feel one gland/node larger than the other, but the Dr. didn't pay attention to this either.  I just had a thyroid biopsy for 2 nodules, which came back benign - blood, colloid, some macrophages and groups of follicular cells without atypia with the presence of only occasional microfollicules.  It does say that the nodules are located in the supraclavicular region (0.8 cms.) and the sub-mandibular region. (1.2 x 0.3 cms.)  Please tell me what can be causing this mildly enlarged lymph node.  It doesn't bother me except for the occasional twinge if I turn my head  sometimes a certain way.  The Dr.'s secretary told me the Dr. had seen the x-ray but had no comments for this.  How can this be?

[california51]

A related discussion, right supraclavicular limph was started.

[michelle7676]

I have the same thing. I just had ct scan on my chest and neck yesterday and don't have my results back yet. My doctor didn't seem too concerned and said that it might just be a fatty tumor. I will get my results back Monday.  I'm also waiting on blood tests. Have you had a flu shot recently?  I just had one 3 days before noticing the enlarged lymph node. Not sure if that would have anything to do with it though. Please let me know how yours turns out.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Infection is the most common cause of enlarged lymph nodes, and this should be excluded.  

I agree with a referral to an oncologist, and I agree with the chest x-ray.  There are some GI cancers that can lead to supraclavicular lymph nodes, and if suspected, an abdominal CT scan can also be discussed.

If the node persists, a referral to a surgeon can be considered to discuss whether a biopsy is needed to give a more definitive diagnosis.

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin Pho, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com
www.twitter.com/kevinmd