Lump in son’s neck

[BA36]

I noticed a lump in the lower part of my sons neck last week. I could see it and then felt it, it pushes in when you press it but it’s around a pea-size maybe a bit bigger.
I’ve got health anxiety so am trying not to panic but a week on a it’s still there and I am worried. He’s had a cold for ages and did have a blocked/inflamed ear a couple of weeks ago, should I take him back to the doctor? Looking for some reassurance that it’s normal!

Try and also reassure yourself that a lymph node isn’t even considered enlarged if it’s smaller than 1.5cms

@BA36 I’ve been prodding, feeling all weekend, comparing it to the other side. Compared to the other side of her neck it does feel larger. How long did you have to wait for your scan? It’s been worrying me all weekend, probably because I couldn’t speak to a dr till today but I did half expect them to say ‘it’s fine’ but I I would rather they look into it for sure

Yeah it's worrying . Yeah back in Dec lo had UTI etc and a cold that's when we noticed it he had several raised lymph nodes in groin and all around neck that wasn't obs to me until pointed out. The biggest neck one he has is 2cm . He is also thin sometimes I do wonder if that's why in some positions it's more obs. Was also told if cancer there would be other symptoms along with it too. Was told losing weight not eating very tired are things to look out for.

I think we had to wait about 5 weeks between being referred and getting it. I tried to reassure myself that if they thought it was serious it would have been done quickly

The GP asked me today what are eating was like and if she ever had any tummy pain. I haven’t noticed any other raised bumps anywhere else - too scared to check to be honest! It’s also more noticeable when her head is turned one way - not that you can really see it (it’s not really protruding) but you can feel it more. Can I please ask where the lumps were on your children neck exactly?

That's the most prominent one had smaller lea size on side of neck

My son’s is on his neck, towards the back. It’s visible all the time but more if he turns his neck at certain angles

Ah yes, Thankyou for sharing. My daughters is higher up and more under her ear but off centre to the right. To the naked eye there is no visible ‘lump’ though I may have another closer look tomorrow

I think I will feel abit more relaxed about it if her bloods come back ok

@Rhi11 it’s funny you should mention the UTI, my daughter had a UTI in November and we first noticed the lump in Jan - maybe connected???

I would try and reassure yourself that if you can’t see it, it’s going to be way smaller than 2cms! My sons is visible and is still smaller than 2cms!

That’s a good way to think of it! Thanks for your help - you have both been very reassuring, I was going out of my mind!

I was told any virus or bacterial infections can cause them. He also has eczema on face saw this can also be a reason they are a little swollen. Try not to Google . It put me in dark places.

You are absolutely right @Rhi11 it does more harm than good.

Sorry ladies @BA36 and @Rhi11 I just wondered what type of consultant did you see for scans? Our GP said paediatrician but when I have called a hospital to get it done privately and have explained they have said radiologist. Want to make sure I book the right thing!

I’m not sure who did it but it was done through the X-ray/radiology department. I think if you book it as a scan but say it’s for a child they may then get a paediatrician to do it but the hospital will advise you on what exactly needs to be booked

Yep I didn’t explain and they radiology so should be ok. Thankyou for coming back to me so quickly!

My dd (4) has had one for a few months now since she had a cold. Had a US done and it was just a normal swollen lymph node. I'd get him seen by a gp anyway for reassurance but usually it's nothing to worry about.

Sorry, I posted having seen the OP, didn't realise things have progressed since

We're just seen under Peds ENT now they but it's radiology department who would so scan. Are you being seen quicker from going private?

I enquired about going private though and was told to have a scan I needed to book a consultant appointment as you couldn’t self refer children for scans, so maybe worth checking f that

Thanks for the advice. I will call the GP and confirm tomorrow. She did say that it would be a paediatrician but when I called the hospital and explained what she needed they immediately said radiology. The hospital I called had an appointment this Friday so defo quicker (if that’s who I can see!)

The GP said she would do a referral letter for me so guess it’s what she puts in there.
@Polyputthekettleon Thankyou for your post - grateful for any positive stories!

@BA36 hey just wondered what the outcome of this was after a couple years have passed. Did it stay the same or eventually go away?