What causes swelling on the neck?
Patient: Hi, yes, I just notice that im having a hard swelling on the left side of my neck! First I was just sensing a like a pressure in my head, and then I just check now again and feel this hard thing on my neck!  How serious can that be? Im feeling like dificulty with breathing as well. Doctor: Hi! thanks for writing to and sharing your health problem in brief!In such cases of hard lump beside the neck with some breathing difficulties, if I were your family physician, I would first examine it carefully regarding its origin, mobility, any more lump in the surroundings and the status of thyroid as well!As per my experience of biopsy from neck lumps, I could suggest you few possibilities as listed below:1. enlarged lymph node: could be just reactive or physiological, due to viral infection, tuberculosis, cancer or even lymphoma etc.2. benign cystic lesions like branchial cyst, thyroid colloid cyst, lymphatic cyst, sebaceous cyst etc.3. inflammatory or tumor-like conditions like organizing abscess, dermatofibroma, neurofibroma or even lipoma.Therefore, you should not neglect this and you must get it to a physician's notice for a definitive diagnosis and further management...Regards,