HomeAnswersOtolaryngology (E.N.T)cellulitisMy mother has a painful swelling in the neck. Why?

Will surgical excision for cellulitis be painful and leave a scar in the neck?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At June 29, 2022
Reviewed AtOctober 11, 2023

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

My mother is 68 years old and has swelling in the neck for the past 10 days. It appears red and she has pain. Is it a lymph node or soft tissue swelling? There is no history of trauma or injury. I have attached the pictures. She took tablet Zifi CV 200 and tablet Zerodol SP twice daily after food for eight days. The day before she had pus discharge in the swelling. So she applied Betadine ointment over the area and squeezed the pus. Now swelling has reduced. Does she require FNAC, USG, and CBC? She stopped taking tablet Zerodol SP now but she is taking tablet Zifi CV 200. Will tablet Chymoral Forte be effective? Should she consult an ENT surgeon, general surgeon, general physician, or dermatologist?

Answered by Dr. Vinay. S. Bhat

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

From the images attached (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity), it looks like the swelling has started as cellulitis and formed an abscess now. If there is no pain, the inflammation might be due to probable antibioma. The treatment plan includes incision and drainage with dressing, broad spectrum antibiotics, and antiseptic local applications. Consult an ENT (ear nose tongue) specialist or general surgeon to prevent the rapid spread of infection.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor for the reply,

I have consulted a doctor for my mother and have attached the reports. Does she require wide local excision surgery? What is the cost of surgery including anesthesia and operation theater? What is the recovery period? Please help.

Answered by Dr. Vinay. S. Bhat

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Your doctor suggested wide excision. It has better cosmetic outcome and heals faster. Local anesthesia is safe and quick. There will be no pain. It is an outpatient procedure and can be discharged within few hours after surgery. Cost depends on the experience of the doctor, tools used, and hospital.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Vinay. S. Bhat
Dr. Vinay. S. Bhat

Otolaryngology (E.N.T)

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