Large rubbery swollen clavicle node

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Hi,

I am not sure if this is where to post this, but I am hoping someone can jump in to calm me down.

I felt a rubbery lump in my left clavicle about 3-4 weeks ago. I didn't think much of it, and after googling decided I would wait to see ask my oncologist when I see him next week. However, the lump has grown and it is now the size of half a banana (it was about the 1/3 the size of a banana previously). It is going up my neck and it feels spongey or rubbery. It is not hard or round. Has anyone experienced something like this? I am freaking out and need someone, anyone!, to walk me off the ledge.

Comments

  • pure0323
    pure0323 Member Posts: 43
    edited December 2019

    I’m dealing with the same thing, although my lymph node is much smaller. I went in for some blood work on Tues and they scheduled me to see the PA on Monday. I had a flu shot before it enlarged, I’m hoping that’s all it is but who knows. I’m so sorry your dealing with this stress. Try to remain calm but definitely call your doctor

  • Yogatyme
    Yogatyme Member Posts: 2,349
    edited December 2019

    I had the same thing in my armpit last week when I had a viral infection. Went away when virus cleared. I have had a similar thing on the side of my torso for 40 yrs. It’s a fatty tumor and every doc I’ve seen all these years have said leave it alone unless it starts growing or interferes with nerve sensation.

  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited December 2019

    Citrine - hopefully you made a doc appointment. Likely it's what the others have said and no problem. I don't mean to spread alarm, but my swollen clavicle node ended up being a BC recurrence

  • Citrinetiff
    Citrinetiff Member Posts: 88
    edited December 2019

    Thank you, everyone for your words of encouragement. I have an appointment with my oncologist on Tuesday, so I'll know more then.

    MinusTwo, I am sorry to hear about your recurrence. That is my fear, to be honest. I am trying to remain calm, but you all know how hard that is. May I ask what it felt like and how large it was? Mine is on the opposite side of where my BC was.


  • TB90
    TB90 Member Posts: 992
    edited December 2019

    Citrine: I can only imagine how worrisome this is. But elongated like a banana is not like any swollen lymph node I have heard about. Is it tender? Could it be an inflamed tendon? I am certainly no expert, but this is a very unique description. Of course have it checked out. Hope you receive an answer and reassurance soon.

  • citrine
    citrine Member Posts: 4
    edited December 2019

    TB90, I hope it is! It feels rubbery, and not hard. It is not shaped like a banana, but as long as 1/2 a small banana, but rounded so you can actually see it. Maybe it’s an inflammation? I guess I willfind out on Tuesday.

  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited December 2019

    Citrine - mine was round & about the size of a walnut. As I remember, it was more firm than not. Chances are likely you have an inflammation since it's the time of year when everyone is passing around germs. Fingers crossed.

    Did you just change your screen name & delete your diagnosis & treatment data? Weird.

  • Citrinetiff
    Citrinetiff Member Posts: 88
    edited December 2019

    MinusTwo, thank you for getting back to me. Hopefully, it is an inflammation. I'll know soon and then I can relax.

    I don't know what happened with my name and dx....weird.


  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited December 2019

    If it is changing rapidly, take pictures of it or outline it for comparison. Hoping you get answers and that all is benign.

  • Citrinetiff
    Citrinetiff Member Posts: 88
    edited December 2019

    Hi everyone,

    I just came back from my oncologist, and since all my scans are clear he thinks the swelling may be muscular. However, I will see him in two months (February) and if the swelling is still there, I will get an ultrasound.

    Kbee, that is a good idea, and I will do that.

    Since the scans are clear, and nothing showed up, I do feel a lot better and maybe it is muscular.

    Everyone, thank you so much for your advice and your kind words.

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited December 2019

    Hi Citirinetiff, sounds like your oncologist is on top of it. What scans have you had ? I would request a neck CT scan if you havent had one and if the area continues to be swollen.

  • MinusTwo
    MinusTwo Member Posts: 16,634
    edited December 2019

    Citrine: Since the docs have cleared you for now - I would put it all aside as best you can and celebrate the holidays. You'll see the doc again in February. Plenty of time to re-visit the issue.

  • TB90
    TB90 Member Posts: 992
    edited December 2019

    It sounded like connective tissue as I mentioned earlier. It runs up the neck as does all ligaments, tendons, etc. It takes a lot to keep that head attached. Lol. I am trying to be reassured by things that make sense and worry less about the once in a hundred/ thousand/million. Please enjoy your holidays however brings peace and happiness to you. You so deserve it

  • KBeee
    KBeee Member Posts: 5,109
    edited December 2019

    Great news! My experience has always been that rubbery feeling is good; frozen pea feeling is not so good. So glad all looked benign.

  • Citrinetiff
    Citrinetiff Member Posts: 88
    edited December 2019

    Thank you all so much! It is so comforting to know we can come here and get some really good advice.

    I wish you all a very healthy and happy Holiday Season.

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