Neck Problems And Injuries: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Do you have swelling in your neck?

See significance of neck swelling if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Has a lump formed rapidly in your neck or throat, but you are not having trouble breathing?

Yes

Are you having severe trouble swallowing but no trouble breathing?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Do you have a hard lump below your Adam's apple with pain or a feeling of fullness in your throat?

Yes

Do you have a hard lump below your Adam's apple with trouble swallowing?

Yes

Do you have a hard lump below your Adam's apple with unexplained hoarseness?

Yes

Do you have a lump below your Adam's apple and symptoms of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism?

You need an appointment within the next 1 to 2 weeks if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Have you had a lump or swollen gland for 1 week or longer that is not getting smaller or less tender?

Yes

Have you had a lump or swollen gland for 1 week or longer that seems to be improving but has not gone away?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	August 28, 2007
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine, H. Michael O'Connor, MD - Emergency Medicine
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer