Table of contents:
- Various causes of protruding collarbone
- 1. Injury
- 2. Bone infection
- 3. Swollen lymph nodes
- 4. Cysts
- 5. Tumors
The collarbone, also known as the clavicle, is a long, thin bone that extends between the sternum, shoulder blade and shoulder blade. This bone connects the arm to the body and is located in areas where there are many nerves and blood vessels. A protruding collarbone is a common complaint. Then, what are the causes?
Various causes of protruding collarbone
1. Injury
Physical injuries such as fractures, cracks, or sprains to the upper body can cause the collarbone to protrude. This is the most common cause. Injuries can result from falls, accidents, to injuries during childbirth.
If you have an injury, besides there is a bony protrusion, you will generally feel various symptoms such as:
- Swelling and bruising
- The movement of the arm is very limited because it hurts.
- The shoulders look like they are down.
Children and adolescents are prone to injury because the collarbone generally reaches full strength after a person turns 20. In addition, the elderly are also more at risk for collarbone injuries because bone density has begun to weaken. To diagnose this condition, doctors usually use x-rays and CT scans .
2. Bone infection
Bone infection or osteomyelitis is a condition that causes the collarbone to protrude. These health problems can occur after an injury, certain surgical procedures, or after inserting an intravenous line near the collarbone. In addition, this can also occur when the blood and tissue around the collarbone becomes infected and eventually spreads.
Although collarbone infections are rare, you need to be aware of the various symptoms to prevent the condition from getting worse. Here are the most common symptoms of osteomyelitis, namely:
- Fever.
- Body shivering.
- Painful swelling around the infected collarbone.
- Discharge / pus from the lump.
3. Swollen lymph nodes
Source: Healthtool
The body has more than 600 lymph nodes that function to fight infection. If the lymph nodes become swollen, this is a sign that the body is battling infections and various other diseases. This condition can occur in any part of the body that is close to the lymph nodes, including the collarbone.
If you experience swollen lymph nodes, you will experience various symptoms such as:
- The lump is swollen and painful when pressed.
- The lump feels hard.
- The body has a fever.
- Night sweats.
4. Cysts
A lump on the collarbone can indicate a cyst. Cysts usually contain fluid that is not cancerous. Ganglion cysts that usually affect the wrist can grow and develop along the collarbone. Generally, cysts are located under the skin and are hard to the touch.
Cysts are usually harmless. However, you can further consult with your doctor about the best treatment if you feel anxious about a cyst in your body.
5. Tumors
A protruding collarbone can also be a sign of a tumor. Tumors can be benign as well as malignant, a sign of cancer.
Benign tumors or in medical terms are called lipomas filled with fat which usually appear over a long period of time, which can be months to years. Usually a benign tumor is the size of a pea and feels soft and slippery to the touch.
Another type of tumor that can attack the collarbone is an aneurysm bone cyst. This condition is one of the rare tumors that can develop on the collarbone and generally affects people under the age of 20. These tumors can be benign or malignant.
