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Jul 6, 2023 · I do have a hiatal hernia, esophagitis, and gastritis. I mentioned the swelling above my clavicle to the gastroenterologist before my procedure, and she said sometimes gastric reflux causes supraclavicular swelling. I mentioned that I'd read that swelling in that area can be caused by cancer in the abdomen or lungs.
- Overview
- Where are the supraclavicular lymph nodes?
- What can cause swelling?
- What does swelling feel and look like?
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- When to contact a doctor
- Outlook
- Frequently asked questions
- Summary
Swollen supraclavicular lymph nodes may occur as a reaction to infection or because of metastatic cancer. This type of swelling typically occurs just above a person’s collarbone.
Lymph nodes are part of the immune system. They increase in size due to illnesses like infection, cancer, and autoimmune diseases.
Sometimes, a virus like the flu can cause lymph node swelling that recedes once the virus has resolved. Other times, lymph node enlargement can indicate a more serious condition that needs treatment.
This article discusses possible reasons for supraclavicular lymph node swelling, diagnosis, treatment, and when to contact a doctor.
The supraclavicular lymph nodes are located just above the collarbone.
The number and exact position of these nodes can vary, but there are usually more on the left side.
One of the supraclavicular lymph nodes is called the Virchow node (VN), named after German pathologist Rudolf Virchow.
The VN is usually the left side node closest to the center of the body. However, like the other supraclavicular lymph nodes, the position of the VN can differ from its typical location.
Lymph nodes are small glands that act as filters in the immune system.
The body’s cells and tissues eliminate waste using lymph fluid, which travels in vessels and passes through lymph nodes. Inside the lymph nodes are white blood cells called lymphocytes that destroy pathogens.
Swollen lymph nodes appear as a bump under the skin.
Lymph nodes containing cancer cells differ slightly from reactive, noncancerous nodes, as the following table shows:
To diagnose the cause of swollen supraclavicular lymph nodes, doctors assess the characteristics and cellular contents of the nodes with procedures such as:
•computed tomography (CT) scan
•positron emission tomography (PET) scan
•neck ultrasound
•biopsy
Imaging like CT, PET, and ultrasound scans can help doctors determine whether cancer has spread.
Treating swollen lymph nodes focuses on the underlying cause.
Antibiotics can treat bacterial infections, and medications like corticosteroids and immunosuppressant drugs can treat autoimmune conditions.
Doctors may use a combined treatment approach if the cause of swollen lymph nodes is cancer. This can include radiation, surgery, and systemic therapy like chemotherapy or hormone therapy to target cancer metastases in various locations.
Doctors may also treat the lymph nodes themselves with radiation or surgery to prevent trapped tumor cells from leaving the lymph nodes and recirculating.
Signs that a person should contact a doctor include:
•any supraclavicular lymph node that is larger than 0.5 centimeters (cm)
•other lymph nodes that are larger than 2 cm
•lymph nodes that are hard or firm, fixed, and not tender
•swollen lymph nodes in multiple areas
•the person experiencing swollen lymph nodes is age 40 or older
The outlook for a person with swollen supraclavicular lymph nodes depends on the underlying cause. If the lymph nodes swell due to an infection, the swelling should decrease as the infection resolves.
Swelling in supraclavicular lymph nodes is often a sign of metastatic cancer. In this case, a person’s outlook depends on their age, overall health, and the type and stage of the cancer.
Why would only one lymph node be swollen?
Infections may cause one or many lymph nodes to swell, depending on the site of increased lymphocyte production. Similarly, malignant growths may cause swelling in only one location. Lung cancer can cause supraclavicular nodes on either or both collarbones to swell. If lymph node swelling occurs only on the left side, cancer is more likely in the abdomen or pelvis.
What should I do if my left supraclavicular lymph node is swollen?
Swollen supraclavicular nodes on the left side of the body may indicate infection or various cancers. It is important to seek medical assistance for any swollen lymph nodes. A timely, accurate diagnosis can determine the cause of the swelling and plan treatment accordingly.
Supraclavicular lymph nodes are located just above the collarbone on both sides of the body. Swollen supraclavicular lymph nodes may indicate an immune system reaction to infection or metastatic cancer.
Doctors can treat swollen supraclavicular lymph nodes by addressing the underlying cause.
- Nancy Lovering
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Jan 10, 2024 · Swelling that may be the size of a pea or kidney bean, or even larger in the lymph nodes. Depending on the cause of your swollen lymph nodes, other signs and symptoms you might have include: Runny nose, sore throat, fever and other indications of an upper respiratory infection. General swelling of lymph nodes throughout your body.
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