Neck Mass by TB or Tuberculous Lymphadenitis

This is tuberculosis (TB) infection of the lymph nodes in the neck area, and is also known as ‘Scrofula’, tuberculosis (TB) of the neck. It is a common TB infection outside of pulmonary system. It affects people of all ages, and often in women. Normal lymph nodes are tinny ovoid lumps, is not noticeable, along lymphatic chains that is the part of immune system. One of main functions of lymph nodes is to remove infections. Therefore, the persistent infection such as TB may lead to the swelling of lymph nodules.

Symptoms are a single or multiple masses (swelling lymph nodes) around neck along with TB symptoms such as persistent low grade fever, malaise, or weight loss. The enlarged mass is generally painless, movable (but not move with the swallowing), and is often found near the collarbone (clavicle).

Treatments: Please go to see your doctor for diagnosis and treatments.