Reoccurring hard and red bumps on side of neck. Concerned about cancer?
Patient: I have about 6 bumps on the left side of my neck located near my ear and neck. They have come and gone over the past year, but I now have 6, when usually the most I ever found at one time was two or three bumps. They are hard and red and tingly. I am going to the doctor this week, but I am concerned it may be cancer . Please advise and give me your opinions. Thank you Doctor: Hai,  Thanks for writing in.  1. Seems they are lymph nodes. Red, painful nodes indicates kind of inflammation in oral cavity / ear-nose-throat / head / scalp. 2. Do you have caries of tooth? discharge in your ears? dandruff? These can cause such lymphadenitis. 3. Non-tender (painless) nodes may be a sign of cancer. But such nodes don't wax & wane. So mostly you are not suffering from any cancer. 4. It is advisable to get an ENT consultation to get your throat & oral cavity examined, which are the usual causes for such nodes & proceed further. 5. Salt water gargling, good oral hygiene, dandruff control, may be short course of antibiotics will be helpful to you.  Get well soon, Regards, Dr.Sathyadharan