Why Is My Collarbone Swollen?

The clavicle is located below our neck, and this area, like any other, can also experience abnormalities. Some people may find that their clavicle is swollen, and there are many possible reasons for this. If there is no obvious external injury, it may be caused by factors such as tumors. It is necessary to determine the cause as soon as possible and carry out targeted treatment to avoid potential health hazards. So, what are the reasons for a swollen clavicle? Let's take a look below.

a. If there is external injury after the clavicle swelling, it may be due to local soft tissue damage or the formation of a hematoma after a clavicle fracture. If there is no obvious external injury, it may be due to a tumor lesion in the clavicle. It is recommended to consult a doctor in the orthopedics department of the hospital promptly for a face-to-face diagnosis. The doctor will make a preliminary analysis based on the physical examination. Routine clavicle X-ray examination can determine whether there is external injury, fracture, or clavicle tumor lesions, and further treatment can be carried out based on the examination results.

b. If it is only soft tissue injury and swelling, timely application of ice within 24 hours of the local injury can help reduce swelling and pain. After 24 hours, heat can be applied. If it is a clavicle fracture without obvious displacement, suspension immobilization may be chosen. However, if there is significant displacement or clavicle tumor, surgical treatment may be required.

Clavicle tumor refers to either a primary malignancy originating in the clavicle or a tumor that has metastasized to the clavicle. Tumors of the clavicle itself may be osteosarcomas or myeloma, and their main symptoms include pain and local masses. Metastatic tumors of the clavicle mainly cause enlarged lymph nodes on the clavicle, hoarseness, pain, swallowing obstruction, and local masses. To distinguish between primary clavicle tumors and clavicle metastases, a biopsy of the mass may be needed to confirm the diagnosis, as there are essential differences between them in pathology.

Firstly, radiology is an important tool for bone tumor examination, including clavicle tumors. For left-sided bone tumors, the shape is usually regular, and the surrounding normal bone tissue is normal. The hardened edge of the clavicle tumor may become thinner due to the expansion of the bone and skin but remains intact. Primary malignant tumors are often accompanied by periosteal reactions, which can manifest as radial pain and itching.

Secondly, radionuclide examination can be used for early diagnosis of bone metastases.

Thirdly, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can detect lesions early with high accuracy.