Lymphangitis

[StanL12]

Has anyone had an episode of lymphangitis in their LO? Totally freaked me out yesterday when small egg type lump came up - pretty much overnight as none of us noticed - on DS neck. He says it’s sore and doesn’t like it being touched. Otherwise he’s really well - but sniffly the few days before. Doc said it was lymphangitis and said to take ibuprofen- antibiotics in a few days if it doesn’t improve. I’m a total worrier and now wondering if I should have pushed for referral. Any experiences out there to tell me what I should expect and when to panic / stop panicking!? Thanks everyone.

If it helps, my ds last year at age 4 developed two lumps in his neck 2-3 cm, I only noticed them when he was poorly with ear infection, but they didn't go down. So obviously I panicked. I took him to the gp who was not worried and told me to wait 6 weeks! I wasn't happy with that so requested at least a blood test, which they did and also referred him (but only because I really pushed!) we were seen at the hospital within two weeks but no tests were done, I was just told that they seemed to be reactive lymph nodes and should eventually go down.
6 months later they are still there... We have finally been referred to ent.
I have been told it could be his tonsils causing it because they are huge but does not explain why the lumps are only on one side.
No one is concerned though!
You could ask for a blood test?

Thanks bobstersmum. It’s so frustrating if you feel like you’re the only one who feels like the explanation doesn’t match the symptoms. When does your little one see ent? I’m seeing doc again weds so will ask for a blood test if swelling isn’t reduced. DS is usual, full of beans self again today.

I am awaiting the referral letter to come as yet, was only last week they agreed to refer. I'm hoping won't be too long.
It definitely is frustrating when you feel like you aren't being listened to, our children are totally dependent on us, they can't get themselves checked out can they, so it's up to us, their lives are in our hands! Which is what I told the gp.
I was told that if the lumps were anything sinister they would expect him to be very lethargic, and generally unwell. Although I didn't feel like this was enough to accept that yes he's ok!
If I were you I would ask for a blood test, it's the least they can do.

The lumps are most likely nothing sinister, most GPs know what a sinister lump feels like (definitely not all though!) but he’s 100% wrong that if they were sinister your ds would be unwell you can have a sinister lump and feel very well. Not that I’m saying that’s the case just that it can happen. However the longer it goes on the more likely it is that you’ll start to feel unwell.
Hope everything turns out ok.

Also you should ask ENT for an ultrasound on the lumps, blood tests won’t confirm or rule out much.

Thanks Undomestic. The lump doesn’t seem to have reduced at all on ibuprofen so I’ll see doc again weds. He’s got a v runny nose which may not be related. Ultrasound seems to be the way we are heading then.

Just updating - went to gp who referred us to hospital today as lump in DS neck like a golf ball and he was finding it hard to turn his neck. Looks like lymph node is infected so sticking with antibiotics. He was examined all over but no other ‘red flag’ signs present. We can head back / be seen again if no improvement early next week. Just wondering if anyone has had something similar. It’s alarming how quickly it’s grown in size.

Hope your ds is ok Stan. It most likely is an infected lymph if it goes down with the antibiotics it’s a good sign as a sinister lump won’t.
My dd had Hodgkin’s lymphoma her lump didn’t grow that fast it wasn’t noticeable really unless she craned her neck and you knew where to look it could be felt under the skin though it was immovable and hard like a rubber.
However she had no other signs at all not one she was totally ‘healthy’ so absence of symptoms doesn’t mean anything.
It your ds’s sounds like what they said, but regardless if it doesn’t go down then ask for an ultrasound.

Thanks Undomestic. Sorry to hear about your dds experience. I’ll certainly be keeping an eye on things. It’s early days in terms of the antibiotics and we have appointments on Monday and Wednesday next week offered at the hospital and doctors for a quick review. I’m just beside myself with worry and finding it hard to relax, even with all of the check ups he’s had. Xx

Just to further update - DS is now on second lot of antibiotics and swelling gone right down. The lump is still there but a fraction of the size it was. Just now hoping it stays that way. We are listed as ‘rapid referral’ by hospital if it returns or feels different. I’m keeping a very close eye on him. Thanks for your posts and support xx

Hope everything goes ok Stant it’s really good that the lump goes down with antibiotics as a lymphoma lump wouldn’t but definitely keep an eye on it. Hopefully it stays down and goes away.
Keep us updated xx

Will do Undomestic. Thanks for the help and for replying to my ranting! I’m keeping everything crossed that it disappears now he’s finished his meds. X