The symptom checker reviewed by doctors

Choose a symptom and answer simple questions using our physician-reviewed
symptom checker to find more information on your health issue.

  • Symptom
  • Assessment
  • Results

Do you have lumps or swelling on both sides of your neck?

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Do you have a fever, sore throat, cold, or flu symptoms?

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Possible Diagnosis

This may be one or more ENLARGED LYMPH NODES caused by an infection of STREP, MONONUCLEOSIS, or simple VIRAL SORE THROAT.

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Are the lumps getting larger, or have they been on your neck for longer than two weeks?

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Possible Diagnosis

The lumps may be INFECTED LYMPH NODES or possibly CANCEROUS LYMPH NODES, such as in HODGKIN’S DISEASE, a type of LYMPHOMA.

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Do you have swelling in the back of your neck on one or both sides?

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Do you have a skin infection or rash on your scalp?

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Possible Diagnosis

These swellings are probably LYMPH NODES draining inflammation from the SKIN INFECTION.

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Do you have a rash on your face or a fever?

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Possible Diagnosis

You may have a viral illness or, rarely, GERMAN MEASLES (RUBELLA).

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Do you have swelling behind and over your jaw on one or both sides?

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Possible Diagnosis

This type of swelling may be from MUMPS, a disease caused by a virus that attacks the salivary glands.

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Do you have swelling underneath the middle of your chin or directly in the front and middle of your neck?

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Possible Diagnosis

You may have a THYROGLOSSAL DUCT CYST or ABSCESS, a problem with your THYROID GLAND.

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Is there a soft swelling on the front of your neck above and between the collarbones?

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Possible Diagnosis

You may have an ENLARGED THYROID, GOITER, or THYROIDITIS, also called HASHIMOTO’S DISEASE, an inflammation of the thyroid gland. This may also be a sign of THYROID CANCER or other THYROID DISEASES.

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Self Care

If the sore throat is severe, or if you also have stomach pain, a red rash, fever, or white patches in the back of your throat, call your doctor right away. Treat less severe symptoms with over-the-counter cold and flu medicines. Do not give cough and cold medicines to children under five years old. These include decongestants, antihistamines and analgesics, such as acetaminophen. If the lumps don’t shrink within two weeks, or if one becomes very large and tender, see your doctor as soon as possible.

Self Care

See your doctor right away.

Self Care

Treat the skin infection with a topical antibiotic ointment. If the lymph nodes do not shrink in two to three weeks, see your doctor.

Self Care

If you have a facial rash, see your doctor right away. Treat the fever with over-the-counter fever medicine, such as acetaminophen, until you can see your doctor. Stay away from pregnant women. German measles can harm unborn children and cause complications, such as pneumonia. You can prevent RUBELLA with a standard MEASLES, MUMPS, and RUBELLA (MMR) vaccine.

Self Care

See your doctor right away. You can prevent MUMPS with a standard MMR vaccine.

Self Care

See your doctor.

Self Care

See your doctor right away.

For more information, please talk to your doctor. If you think the problem is serious, call right your doctor right away.

DISCLAIMER

Symptom Checker content is provided for informational purposes only. This tool may leverage certain generative artificial intelligence tools to generate results, but you should not rely on this tool as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about your health or the information provided when you use this tool, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional. Do not disregard, avoid, or delay obtaining medical or health related advice from your healthcare professional because of something you may have read using this tool or on the FamilyDoctor.org website. Use this content solely at your own risk. If you think you may have a medical emergency, dial 911.