Over the last couple years I have noticed that the left side of my neck seems swollen. It is not painful or anything but it looks strange to me and other people have noticed.

One time at the rheumatologist office it was like that and she checked my thyroid levels and said they were normal.

Anyway, it continues to swell sometimes. I have looked online for information about the thyroid and swelling. On almost every single picture I found both sides were swollen, not just one. So my question is this, can only one side swell? Does this mean nothing or do I have a problem? Should I have my thyroid levels checked again?

I guess I am asking to be educated a little because I do not understand that I am reading about it. I dont know whether it should be treated or not or if it is important. The symptoms described for hypothyroidism (sp?) are the same for perimeno.

Any and all comments and info are appreciated!!!
Thanks in advance ladies.
Hugs to you,
Jeaninne

My husband has hyperthyroidism. BOTH sides always swell up when he's bad. Could it be a swollen lymph node. They are very close and I have one on my right side that gets swollen sometimes.

I suppose it could be a lymph node. I have no idea. It does not hurt. Would it hurt if it was my lymph node?

I do remember the rheumatologist asking me if I had a cold or sorethroat and did it hurt when she mashed on it. It did not and it does not now. I just dont understand why it keeps swelling when there is nothing wrong with me. Of course, my anxiety is not helping one iota!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well it's there to fight infections. Mine hurts when it swells so I don't know. My husband said he has a hard time swallowing when his swells.

When I have a swollen lymph node in my neck it hurts when I press it, but not otherwise. Those are pretty confined to like a one inch or so circumference though -- I mean, not really visible like what you are describing.

Well ducky!!!!
I cannot figure out what it is. It is only on the one side and when I look at it - it reminds me of half a turkey neck or something.

Thanks for answering ya'll. I guess this another question for the rheumy when I go again Anymore I hate going to the rheumy, I dont get good news there.

Hugs to you all,
Jeaninne