Are lymph nodes in the collarbone dangerous?

Question
Hello doctor,
I have swollen lymph nodes in the collarbone, when I touch the lymph nodes, I feel pain. So the doctor asked me if the lymph nodes in the collarbone are dangerous? Thank you doctor.
Anonymous customer
Answer
Answered by Dr., Doctor Le Thi Huong - Department of Examination, Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.
Hello,
With the question “Is lymph node swelling in the collarbone dangerous? ", the doctor would like to answer as follows:
Collar lymphadenopathy is a condition in which the volume of lymph nodes is enlarged due to the proliferation of internal somatic cells or due to tumor invasion of somatic cells. There are several enlarged lymph nodes of varying sizes on one or both sides of the neck, usually located on the anterior and lateral sides of the sternocleidomastoid muscle. In the early stages, the lymph nodes are enlarged, hard, and painless, and can be enlarged. The disease will tend to grow back, causing the lymph nodes to become inflamed, then the lymph nodes will stick to the skin and surrounding tissues.
When you see swollen lymph nodes, you need to determine where the lymph nodes are floating, where to focus and determine if the lymph nodes are floating in one or more places. The number of lymph nodes is more or less, only 1 to 2 nodes or a cluster, a colon and what size. The density of lymph nodes is large or small, soft or hard, hard, lymph nodes are immobile or movable, and nodes that are fixed and adherent are more dangerous.
The survival time of the ganglion may be longer or shorter. When the lymph nodes are swollen for more than a month or longer without any sign of reduction in size, it is very dangerous. Because these are often warning signs of chronic diseases. If the lymph nodes are found in the collarbone, the patient should actively find out the cause and in general, the lymph nodes of the collarbone can be enlarged due to some of the following causes:
Lymphadenopathy may be caused by inflammation: According to some researches, have a hobby of piercing the collarbone, but this is quite dangerous and can lead to internal inflammation. As a result, it can lead to swollen collarbones. Inflammation of the nasal sinuses, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, inflammation of the gums, inflammation of the salivary glands, ... causing swelling of the neck lymph nodes. The painful lymph nodes in the collarbone will often be accompanied by the characteristics of redness, pain, heat, rapid onset, some will be painful, and the lumps will disappear after fighting the infection. Clavicle lymphadenopathy due to tuberculosis: Clavicle lymphadenopathy may be primary or secondary to intra-abdominal tuberculosis. This condition can be seen in patients with a long history of disease, the lymph nodes are enlarged and mobile. When pressing on the lymph nodes will not be painful and may stick together. If necrotic, it will break into a form like melted cheese. Metastatic cancer and malignant tumors: Metastatic cancer is one of the causes of swollen lymph nodes in the neck. Primary tumors are mostly located in the head and neck. The lymph nodes are gradually enlarged, hard and have poor mobility. Throat cancer, tonsil cancer, and laryngeal cancer are cancers that often metastasize to lymph nodes on the cervix. Cancers such as those of the nose, sinuses, mouth, and face will often invade the lymph nodes under the jaw. Esophageal cancer will often metastasize to the lymph nodes above the cervix. Benign tumors: In addition to lymph nodes, benign tumors or cysts can also appear on the neck. It can also sometimes be misdiagnosed as lymphadenopathy on palpation. Examples include sebaceous cysts, lipomas, thyroid cysts, bone tumors, etc. The examination and diagnosis of these diseases need to be done in places where experienced doctors and medical facilities are located. professional economics. The nodules in thyroid cancer patients often increase over time. Initially, the lymph nodes may move, but later on, they become more and more attached to the ear area, accompanied by pain and stiffness. Besides, there are also symptoms such as difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, headache, rapid weight loss, ... Therefore, if you experience the above abnormal symptoms, you need to see a doctor immediately. There are many causes of swollen lymph nodes. Therefore, there will be different treatment methods according to different causes. If lymphadenitis is due to infection, antibiotic treatment or clinical monitoring is sufficient. If it is lymph node tuberculosis, it must be treated with anti-tuberculosis drugs. If it is due to a tumor, it is necessary to treat the primary tumor to have actual results. There are many causes of lymphadenopathy, so patients should see a doctor to know the exact cause and choose different treatment methods depending on the different causes.
Above is information about the condition of the collarbone lymphadenopathy. Whether you are an adult or an infant with collarbone lymphadenopathy, you also need to take the patient to a medical facility to be examined and given the most appropriate treatment plan.
If you still have questions about lymphadenopathy in the collarbone, you can go to a hospital under Vinmec Health System for further examination and advice. Thank you for trusting and sending questions to Vinmec. Wish you a lot of health.
Best regards!