Supraclavicular Lymph Nodes

A Pain in the Neck With a Lump

Not all pain in the necks are going to be in the form a co-worker or offspring. Supraclavicular lymph nodes are in the neck in the hollow that is just above the clavicle. When enlarged it can cause a pain in the neck or may just be a lump without pain. Lymph nodes are responsible for filtering lymph fluid that travels throughout the body. Lymph nodes, like the supraclavicular lymph nodes, can trap various infections and other debris that is in the body. The body usually will take care of the debris without drawing attention to itself. When the body is overloaded due to illness, infection, or disease, the lymph nodes will swell and may become painful.

Location Of The Supraclavicular Lymph Nodes

There are two supraclavicular lymph nodes, one on the right side and one on the left side. They are laterally located where it joins the sternum in the hollow above the clavicle. Other lymph nodes in the clavicle area where the left and right supraclavicular lymph node are located include the following:

• Submandibular lymph nodes (underside of the jaw on both sides)
• Submental lymph node (just below the chin)
• Jugular lymph node (on the top of and underneath the sternocleidomastoid muscles)
• Posterior cervical lymph node (on the side of the neck near the back)
• Suboccipital lymph node (junction between the back of the head and neck)
• Postauricular lymph node (behind the ears)
• Preauricular lymph node (in front of the ears)

These lymph nodes are responsible for draining the lymphatic fluid from the neck and head regions.

Function Of The Supraclavicular Lymph Nodes

The function of the supraclavicular lymph nodes and other lymph nodes is to filter lymph fluid in the body. The right supraclavicular lymph node is responsible for lymphatic drainage of the mediastinum (middle section of chest cavity), lungs, and esophagus. The left supraclavicular lymph node is responsible for lymphatic drainage of the thorax and abdomen (via the thoracic duct)

Causes Of Supraclavicular Enlargement Lymph Nodes

Only a doctor or health care professional can determine the true cause of enlargement of supraclavicular lymph nodes. These are possible causes of enlargement:

• Bacteria infection - an infection that is caused by bacteria (microorganisms)
• Fungal infection - an infection caused by a fungi
• Lymphoma - cancer that starts in the lymph nodes or lymphoid tissues
• Thoracic cancer - lung, tracheal, esophageal, mesothelioma, thymomas, mediastinal, and chest wall cancers
• Retroperitoneal cancer - a cancer that is outside or behind the tissue that lines the abdominal wall and covers many of the organs in the abdomen (peritoneum)

Signs a doctor should examine an enlarged lymph node:

• The swollen lymph node is hard
• The lymph node is larger than a inch in size
• The skin is pink or reddish around the enlarged lymph node
• Other signs of illness like weight loss, fever, night sweats, etc.

Usually an enlarged or swollen lymph node is caused from an infection in the body, bump to the area, response to a vaccine, or drug interaction.

Anterior Cervical Lymph Nodes

When your ready to learn about the Anterior Cervical Lymph Nodes.