DS (15) ultrasound for swollen lymph node showed incidental findings of enlarged salivary glands!

[MrsAmber]

GP referred DS for a scan which he’s had today. He was referred due to a swollen lymph node.

Lots of images taken and the conclusion is that the lymph node, while raised, is ok but they have discovered enlarged salivary glands and want DS to go for a blood test.

Totally unexpected and don’t know what to think.

I believe it’s the submandibular glands that are enlarged ‘I think’!

Anyone else have experience of this?

Not sure how much help I can be but DS who is 18 has had a visible lymph node on the side of his neck for at least 4 years. Didn't think much of it at the time as only noticeable occasionally if he turns his head & the light catches it and it wasn't bothering him. However, having realised recently that it was still there, took him to the GP.

GP said probably nothing to worry about but, as she could feel a couple of others on the other side of his neck, referred him to the hospital as urgent! Also did blood tests (full blood count, thyroid, urea & electrolytes if I recall correctly )which all came back normal.She also ordered a chest x-ray which is happening next week. Saw the doctor at the hospital within a week who was clearly annoyed he'd been referred as urgent, had a quick feel and said he wasn't concerned. Explained that sometimes glands come up after infection and never go back down. However, he's referred him for a non- urgent ultrasound (haven't received appointment for that yet) and have a follow up appointment with him in 2 months!

Although I know it's likely to be fine, the waiting is awful!

Maybe the blood test is to see if any infection?

Hope you get answers soon as I know how worrying it can be.

@worriedoncemore thanks for replying, I know you’ll understand the worry while waiting.

It’s good that all test for your DS so far have come back normal and it’s really good that it seems they’re being extra cautious with a follow up chest X-ray and ultrasound! You’ve just got the added stress of waiting now, so fingers crossed all will turn out ok

I was not expecting what I was told, although they did take quite a few images! I wondered why they were checking next to his ear too, apparently there’s another salivary glands there, never realised.

I’m sure all will be ok as they’ve referred back to the GP for the blood tests. He did ask if he’d had Covid, which he hasn’t, or if he’d had a cold recently, again no, also asked if he had a dry mouth which he does.

I’m pleased the lymph node is not anything to worry about, although he did say if it gets bigger to go back to GP.

Here’s hoping the wait for both of us goes quickly.

@MrsAmber no problem, I hope you get to the bottom of it very soon. From looking on here, swollen glands seem to be very common and pretty much all the threads I've read have had a positive outcome so the odds are in our favour. I'm disappointed the consultant downgraded DS from urgent as it prolongs the wait but I know I should take it as a positive sign!