DS (15) swollen lymph node. GP sending for ultrasound and possibly biopsy

[MissGreensleeves]

Totally unexpected and we don’t know what to expect.

DS has had lots of things going on lately but has complained of a stiff neck since before Christmas.

For quite a few weeks he’s also complained of feeling a lump in his neck. We told him it was most possibly a swollen lymph node and that it most probably would go down. It didn’t.

Took DS to the Gp this week (he’s been off school for a different reason) to put his mind at rest that he’d be told all is good, lymph node is a sign of infection etc and it would go down, only for the GP to refer for a scan and possible biopsy!

Totally unexpected and something we never expected.

Trying to reassure DS (and us) that it’s most probably GP being extra cautious but I’m completely stressed underneath!!

Anyone out there please reassure. Is the GP just being cautious!

I obviously have no idea whether or not it will be serious for your DS but I can tell you we went through the same thing with our DD and huge swollen lymph nodes. She was given the all clear after many tests and many different docs had a look at her. They were very thorough. They don't want to miss something serious in a child which is good. It doesn't mean your DS is likely to be very unwell. It just means they are going to make sure he isn't before moving on. I hope all goes well for you.

@Littlehouseonthefairy thank you for replying and I’m so pleased all was well for your DD.

At this moment in time you will know how stressed I am, although I’m trying to reason that all will be ok, GP is just being thorough!

I think with everything else that DS has had to go through recently (a couple of injuries) this was the last thing he needed. He just needs a break.

We were hoping that taking him to the GP would put his mind at rest but instead it’s completely took us all by surprise

My dd has them alot since she was young she actually has one at the moment it takes about a month each time to settle down. I think it's stress causes hers
The first time she was about 10 is 17 now.
Only had it looked at by gp first time gave antibiotics but just leave it to go away itself now.

Thank you @Andi2020 it’s good to know your DD is fine and that this could be just what DS has, although GP didn’t offer antibiotics. I’m trying to remain positive.

My son is 13 and has had a raised lymph node since he was around 8 - it's noticeable / rubbery and moves under skin. He doesn't get colds but occasionally the lymph node gets bigger if he has a little sniffle.

We had it checked out and all fine.

We also went through this with DS a few years back. It's really stressful but also turned out to be nothing for us as well. Good luck OP

@Remmy123 glad all was well with your DS. Hopefully we’ll have the same outcome.

@user1477249785 that’s good to know, glad you had a positive outcome. It is really stressful and DS is anxious about it.

My sister had similar a few years ago, did end up having minor surgery but it wasn't anything particularly dangerous and has never come back. She was about 20.

My daughter had this at 19. Scans and biopsies were done, and everything was perfectly fine.

@RagzRebooted glad the surgery went well with no follow up needed.

@Aquamarine1029 thanks for sharing too. Loving all of the positive posts.

Had no appointment through yet, it will be two weeks next Wed. I rang the GP surgery and asked the receptionist (as I’d received another appointment for DS for another issue talked about) and she was a bit vague, I almost had a sense of feeling like the referral letter hadn’t been sent as she said she couldn’t see one but that it didn’t mean it hadn’t been done!

The GP hadn’t been in all week so she was leaving him a note which he’d see on Monday!

DS anxious about it but I’m trying to be upbeat (although anxious inside) telling him the GP is just being super cautious!