In this day and age, where medicine is excelling, so are diseases. A lump on collarbone, or in fact any part of the body can scare anyone stiff. The first conclusion we all jump to is, Cancer. That however, is not always the case.
I’m not denying that it can’t be cancer, but there are other harmless possibilities behind having a lump on collarbone. The only way to find out what or why it is, is to get a thorough check-up done.
Without further ado, let’s find out other reasons, besides cancer that cause painful lump on collarbone, both near the throat as well as the shoulder.
1. Vascular Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
In this case, a throbbing lump on collarbone near the neck, appears. It is when, veins or arteries near the collarbone get compressed under it, leading to blood clots and swelling.
Other symptoms include, numbness, swelling and discoloration of arms and weakened pulse in the affected area.
The treatment is fairly simple, if diagnosed at the right time. But if delayed, can cause serious nerve damage and may also require surgery which has its own risk factors.
2. Fibromyalgia
It is a disease caused by chemical imbalance in the brain. Which results in fatigue, mood swings, muscles stiffness and pain, headaches, sleep deprivation along with lumps in many parts of the body including collarbone.
The lumps are called lipomas, which are basically non-cancerous lumps, made up of fat deposition. These lumps don’t usually require treatment, but can be surgically removed if they are getting bigger or causing immense pain.
3. Aneurysmal Bone Cyst
Aneurysmal Bone Cyst also known as ABC, are benign tumor-like lesions on the bone, usually filled with several blood channels. These are most common in children and people below the age of 20.
These cysts are most likely found on long bones, such as the clavicle bone. They result in restricted movement, stiffness, swelling and pain in the affected area.
The treatment usually requires surgical removal.
4. Wide-spread Breast Cancer
Undiagnosed breast cancer, which has spread itself towards the lymph nodes can result in painful hard lump on the collar bone. Possibility is that the lymph nodes started to swell even before the lump developed in the breast, but went unnoticed.
5. Stressed Shoulder Muscle
A pulled muscle due to heavy lifting, or trauma can also result in a lump on collarbone near the shoulder. This lump is basically a bunch inflamed tissues.
Treatment requires taking anti-inflammatory to deflate the swelling. Using warm compresses may also help reduce it. In case of pain, a pain killer will work just fine. However, if the pain is beginning to increase by every passing day, get in touch with the doctor.
6. Fractured Clavicle
A broken Clavicle, can result in a small lump on collarbone. A clavicle fracture is basically a break in the long, collar bone.
It can be very painful and may result in restricted movement of the arm or shoulder. A grinding or crackling sound may also occur when moving the arm.
The treatment is wearing a plaster or sling from over the shoulder and arm and resting, until the bone has healed completely.
7. Osteophyte
A bony projection, also known as bone spur. It is usually caused by the wear and tear of bone cartilage or when a bone is put under constant pressure.
These bone spurs usually develop near joints, such as at the tip of the shoulder, where it meets with the clavicle, resulting in a clavicle bone spur.
These may go unnoticed and not cause any other symptom, but when they occur on or near joints, they can sometimes get painful and also cause severe nerve injury.
8. Rheumatoid Arthritis
Firm bumps under the skin start to form in joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis, which is the deprivation of joint linings caused by our body’s own immune system.
These nodules or bumps can be as large as a walnut or as small as the size of a pea. While most bumps cannot move, some of these can.
9. Chondrosarcoma
It is the second most common type of bone cancer. It attacks the connective tissues, called cartilages, which prevent the bones from grinding against each other and also form parts of bodies like nose and ears.
This cancerous lump can come out at any place, where there is a cartilage. In this case, such as on the shoulder blade.
Other symptoms include, inflammation near the lump, restricted movement and excruciating pain especially at night.
10. Bone Infection
Bone infections caused by bacterium, can cause tender lumps to grow on the affected area. These infections are usually caused by an injury such as a deep cut or wound, or due to a fracture. In both cases, bacteria settle on to the bone, either traveling in through the wound opening or via the blood stream.
The long bones are the first to get effected, such as the clavicle aka collar bone. The lump is usually tender and may move to touch. Other symptoms include high fever, redness over the lump and a general feeling of being unwell.
11. Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
This is a type of cancer that occurs in the lymph nodes of our body, which are placed near the neck, ears, chest and under the arms. This may be one of the most common types of cancer, but it is also one of the most treatable types of cancer, with the highest survival rate.
Along with the lump, other symptoms include drastic weight loss, fever and night sweats. The lumps are soft and soft and moveable to touch.