What causes sternoclavicular joint lump?
Rachel Fowler
Updated on March 17, 2026
What causes sternoclavicular joint lump?
Common causes of SCCJ swelling include degenerative osteoarthritis, septic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, crystal deposition disorders, metastatic disease and post-operative involvement after surgery on the neck (1).
Are there lymph nodes on the sternoclavicular joint?
The supraclavicular lymph nodes (often shortened to the supraclavicular nodes) are a paired group of lymph nodes located on each side in the hollow superior to the clavicle, close to the sternoclavicular joint.
What causes swelling of the sternoclavicular joint?
The sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) is an integral part of the shoulder girdle that connects the upper limb to the axial skeleton. Swelling of the SCJ is commonly due to trauma, degeneration, infections and other disease processes that affect synovial joints.
How do you treat a swollen sternoclavicular joint?
Treatment for Sternoclavicular Joint Disorders
- Medications: NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen and ibuprofen can be used to bring down swelling and pain in the SC joint.
- Immobilization: A shoulder sling can be used to restrict arm movement during an injury or fracture and allow healing.
What is sternoclavicular syndrome?
Sternocostoclavicular hyperostosis (SCCH) is a chronic inflammatory disorder which presents with erythema, swelling, and pain of the sternoclavicular joint. Approximately one half of patients have acne or pustular lesions with the best described association being with palmoplantar pustulosis (PPP).
What is sternoclavicular hyperostosis?
Background: Sternocostoclavicular hyperostosis (SCCH) is a rare disease, constituting a chronic sterile osteomyelitis with elevated bone turnover in the axial skeleton, causing pain and shoulder dysfunction. SCCH severely interferes with daily activities, work, and quality of life.
Why is my supraclavicular lymph node swollen?
Enlarged lymph nodes above the collarbone: Enlarged lymph nodes above the collarbone (supraclavicular lymphadenopathy) are always considered abnormal. These generally suggest cancer or an infection in the region close by. Examples include lung infection, lung cancer, lymphoma in the chest cavity, or breast cancer.
Can you get osteoarthritis in your clavicle?
Osteoarthritis This type of arthritis is often caused by normal wear and tear that accompanies ageing. In some cases it is brought on by injury. Symptoms of osteoarthritis in the collarbone include: pain in the area that gets worse very gradually.
Why is my right collarbone swollen?
Swollen lymph nodes Lymph nodes can become swollen if you have an injury or are fighting an infection or other illness. This is because your body carries more white blood cells to this area to combat the problem. This can result in swelling and a lump near your collarbone.
Why would my supraclavicular lymph node be swollen?
Glands above the collarbone (supraclavicular lymph nodes) may swell from an infection or tumor in the areas of the lungs, breasts, neck, or abdomen.
What does a lymphoma lump feel like?
Lymphoma lumps have a rubbery feel and are usually painless. While some lymphoma lumps develop within a matter of days, others can take months or even years to become noticeable.