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SYMPTOMS |
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DIAGNOSIS |
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SELF-CARE |
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| 1.
Do you have lumps or swelling on both sides of
your neck? |
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Go to Question
4.* |
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| 2.
Do you have a fever, sore throat, cold or flu
symptoms? |
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This is likely to be an ENLARGED LYMPH NODE
caused by an infection of
STREP,
MONONUCLEOSIS or simple
SORE
THROAT. |
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If
these lumps don't decrease in two weeks, or if
one becomes very large and tender, see your
doctor as soon as possible. |
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| 3.
Are these lumps still growing, or have they been
on the neck for longer than two weeks? |
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There is a chance these are INFECTED or even
CANCEROUS LYMPH NODES. |
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See your doctor as soon as possible. |
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*4. Do you have swelling in the
back of the neck on one or both sides? |
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Go to Question
7.** |
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| 5.
Do you have a skin infection on your scalp? |
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These swellings are probably lymph nodes
reacting to the SKIN INFECTION. |
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Treat the infection with a topical antibiotic
ointment. If the lymph nodes do not shrink in
two to three weeks, see your doctor. |
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| 6.
Do you have a fever or rash on your face? |
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You may have a viral illness or, rarely, GERMAN
MEASLES (RUBELLA). |
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Treat the symptoms for comfort. If you have a
facial rash, check with with your doctor. German
measles can harm unborn children and cause
complications, such as pneumonia. |
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**7. Do you have swelling behind
and over the jaw on one or both sides? |
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This type of swelling may be from MUMPS. |
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Contact your doctor. |
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| 8.
Is the swelling underneath your chin or directly
in the middle of your neck? |
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You may have a THYROGLOSSAL DUCT cyst or
abscess. |
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See your doctor. |
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| 9.
Is there a soft swelling on the front of your
neck above and between the collarbones? |
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You may have an ENLARGED THYROID, a GOITER or
THYROIDITIS, an inflammation of the thyroid. |
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See your doctor. |
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| For more
information, please consult your doctor. If you
think the problem is serious, call right away. |
