LUMPS AND SWELLINGS 81
ACTION
GO TO ANOTHER CHART Testes and scrotum problems, p. 151
What happens to the swelling if you press on it or if you lie down?
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR You may have a hernia.
Where is the lump or swelling?
Testis
Groin
Breast
Sides or back of neck
It disappears
It reduces in size
No change
ACTION
GO TO ANOTHER CHART Breast problems, p. 154
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR Lymph nodes in the groin often become swollen in response to an infection.
Other
ACTION
SEE YOUR DOCTOR WITHIN 24 HOURS A number of viral illnesses can cause swollen glands and a rash. Lyme disease( an infection that causes a rash and flulike symptoms) is another possibility, particularly if you think you may have been bitten by a tick recently.
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR if you cannot identify a possible cause for your lumps or swellings from this chart.
Do you have a sore throat?
Sore throat
No sore throat
Do you have a recent injury near the site of the swelling?
Injury
No injury
ACTION
GO TO ANOTHER CHART Sore throat, p. 103
ACTION
TRY SELF-HELP MEASURES An injury is likely to cause some swelling as a result of damage to the tissues. An infected wound or a rash can also cause nearby lymph nodes to swell.
• Make sure the wound is clean and protect it with a bandage or dressing.
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR if there is any pain, redness, or pus around the wound, or if the swelling persists after the wound has healed.