How can swelling in the neck and a painful lump on the arm be treated?
Patient: I fell two months ago on ice and landed on my shoulder. I developed swelling at the base of my neck looks like a lump and causes pain in my left arm and neck when I move in certain directions. I had a mri and cat scan both are negative for tumor and/or muscle ligament damage. Primary doctor says a fat deposit but that makes no sense to me. I can not close my collar on my shirt. Doctor: Hi,  If CT scan and MRI studies are normal you need not to worry as both are very sensitive and specific for diagnosis of spine and muscle pathology. Swelling may be due to soft tissue oedema or hematoma at base of neck.   Local application of ice packs and tablet Chymoral Forte thrice a day will help in reducing soft tissue swelling. Give rest to shoulder and neck for a week and swelling will reduce.   Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Jayesh Vaza, Orthopaedic Surgeon