Swelling of the neck with pain | Swelling of the neck – What can be the cause?

Swelling of the neck with pain

If the swelling observed on the neck is accompanied by pain, it is reasonable to assume that this is an inflammatory disease. The causes of painful swelling may include abscesses, inflammatory swollen lymph nodes or inflamed neck cysts and neck fistulas. An inflammation of the salivary glands, which are distributed in the area of the lower jaw, can also cause a painful swelling in the neck area.

Apart from this, however, a rare acute closure of the great jugular vein (jugular vein thrombosis) by a clot is also conceivable as a cause, should other diseases have been excluded. Pain in combination with swelling of the neck should always be clarified by a physician in order to achieve an early healing of the disease. Until then, taking painkillers can be helpful. Particularly suitable are the analgesics ibuprofen and also paracetamol, which have a good anti-inflammatory effect in addition to their analgesic properties.

Swelling of the neck without pain

However, if swelling of the neck is not accompanied by pain, other possible causes must be considered.These can also be lymph nodes, which are still enlarged after a bacterial or viral infection in the head or neck area (e.g. tonsillitis) has subsided. This harmless, non-specific lymph node enlargement is not uncommon and can persist for years, sometimes up to a few centimeters in size. It is important, however, that the lymph node in question is movable in relation to its surroundings, as otherwise a tumor disease may be the cause.

A likewise not painful swelling in the neck area can be caused by an enlargement of the thyroid gland due to various diseases. Possible causes are autoimmune diseases, iodine deficiency or an increased need for thyroid hormones during pregnancy or puberty. Another cause of swelling of the throat without pain is lipoma. If painless swelling of the neck persists for a long time, increases in size or is accompanied by other symptoms, a medical examination is definitely recommended. Even the best internet platform only allows an estimation of the risk potential of a disease and cannot replace a visit to the doctor.

Read next article in this series:

All articles in this series:

  1. Swelling of the neck – What can be the cause?
  2. The symptoms
  3. The Therapy
  4. The causes of unilateral swelling of the neck
  5. The causes of swelling in the back of the neck
  6. Swelling of the neck with pain
  7. Swelling of the neck under the jaw
  8. Swelling of the neck in children