Swollen Lymph node 5 Year Old

[whataballbag]

Hi all,

I have a 5 year old DS who has had a pea/bean sized swollen lymph node in his neck that I found around 6-7 weeks ago (not sure how long it's been there before that!)

Has seen the GP (2 different ones) twice over this course of time who have both said it's normal and because he's only little, however have been back today as it's still there and I'm increasingly concerned to be told that actually, yes it is raised, and what that could mean, but that they were only willing to investigate further if it's still there at Christmas (!?)

He's a happy kid, doesn't seem to get ill a lot, however he's been very emotional/difficult behaviour recently, and the past 2 nights I've noticed his head/neck have been drenched in sweat when he first goes to bed. He's also complained of 'cranky' legs in a morning, tummy aches, nausea and diarrhoea on and off. I mentioned this to the GP and he didn't seem interested.

I do have severe health anxiety which the GP's are aware of, however it's always been about myself, I've shielded the kids from it as much as possible and only take them to the GP when necessary. I mentioned to the GP today that with all this together I'm extremely worried and he said 'well, that's just your personality though, with all due respect'. And no, it's not. I just don't see how they can leave a child so long without further investigation.

For context, I've been struggling with the loss of DS's Dad (very recently) and he would normally be the other parent to bounce off in these situations, and I know full well he wouldn't be happy with just sitting and waiting either.

Aside from going private which I can't afford, what else can I possibly do?

Bumping

Hi @whataballbag - both my DC have these - my DS has permanently raised ones, and some are often triggered by bugs. I honestly wouldn’t worry - if two doctors are happy with the node then I would take that as peace of mind.

Perhaps you could ask for a blood test to rule out coeliac disease (my DC have this and have the symptoms your DC describes) and also to check that everything else is ok.

I’m really sorry for your loss also x

Also, for what it’s worth, I have a friend who is an ENT consultant and I spoke with him about DS when I first noticed his swollen lymph nodes (one is a big pea on his collar bone and has been there for years). He told me that children can have very prominent lymph nodes following a bug / infection / just be very noticeable as they don’t usually carry a lot of fat on their neck / body so they are much more noticeable than on an adult. My DS has huge groin nodes too - they’ve been known to swell up to the size of an egg before, and that was due to him scuffing his knees after falling from a bike.

Lots of kids have big / obvious lymph nodes but I think for your peace of mind I would seek a third opinion and request a blood test just to check he is OK.

He hasn't had a bug, as far as I'm aware at least, which is what concerns me.

And I worry more as the same doctor who had a feel of it originally and said it was absolutely fine has now felt it again today and said it's quite swollen. It's not changed at all so I'm unsure why his opinion has suddenly changed 😫

Bumping for the morning crowd

Ask for a paeds referral.

I did, and got the 'no, I'm pretty sure he will be fine come back if it's not gone by Christmas'.

Last night he started itching like mad too. It may all be completely coincidental (I hope it is!) but I'm not happy to take that chance.

DD is now 13 and I first spotted her raised lymph nodes when she was in reception. We left it a few weeks to see if they'd go down by themselves and, when they didn't, went to the GP. She said to monitor for 6 months and return if they hadn't gone down. They hadn't so DD had blood tests and, when they returned clear, was referred for an MRI. That was another 6 months or so wait. Nothing showed on that so that was the end of the matter, she just has slightly raised lymph nodes. Sometimes they're a bit bigger; sometimes a bit smaller.
On the rare occasions DD goes to the GP (once every couple of years at the most), I tend to ask the GP to feel them but I'm never expecting any change or problem

@nobodygoesdowninthejungle that's reassuring Thankyou! If it was just the node I wouldn't be as worried. But coupled with the sweating, itching, leg pain is what's made me think that perhaps it needs to be looked at sooner

Just an update, popped DS along to the walk in their morning. They gave him a good check over there and said that even though the node itself is raised it's absolutely tiny. The itching they think is eczema as his skin is looking very dry in the area.

Hi,

I too suffer health anxiety, my son who is 5 years old has had a large lymph node since may after getting hand foot and mouth. It still hasn’t gone down. I have been sent away for all these months now saying “come back if it’s not gone” today I had enough of panicking about it every single time I looked at him so.. he has a blood test tomorrow! I will keep you updated. I have horrible anxiety about it

My son had this when he was about 4 and I was extremely paranoid it was a tumour because he had it for a year. Had lots of doctors appointments my mind was finally at ease when they did a scan of it and it really was just a swollen lymph node.
So it's unlikely to be anything bad but if you're worried ask for a scan

Thank you for your your reply, when I thought I was getting answers I haven’t! His bloods are booked in on the 21st sept as GPS are no longer doing bloods on under 12s. Thank you for the reassurance I’ve had horrible anxiety about it today

Hi just wondering how everyone’s little ones are now? Going through similar ourselves, waiting for an ultrasound, trying not to panic, and looking for reassuring stories!
my dds seems to have been there at least one month (pics you can see it if you really look) but she’s had no obvious illness?
she is growing an adult molar (she’s 5) not sure if that is the cause.
it’s really unsettling for us mums.

My DS has the same thing and he is 5 years old too and growing molar teeth.
He had an ear infection 2 months ago and have noticed it. Doc said it could be because the ear infection. Few days ago, I have felt the lymph nodes on his neck. And he is quite slim boy. Any updates on your DD?

@Najah My DD still has it. It’s been there months now.
Had a scan in July and they said it was a
lymph node but only slightly enlarged. It looks massive to me.
Doctor just said to keep an eye on it.
It is worrying but I’m trying to just remember the scan result was ok and there are loads of others on mumsnet with kids experiencing the same thing.
Hope your boy is ok! X

@Mrsworried1 m glad to hear there is nothing to worry about. I am a worrier:( though. We live in Hamsphire UK. GP is really bad around here. They gave us an appointment in two weeks. Hope they both grow out of it soon xx take care. Keep me posted xx thank you very much for your reply x

Hi how are you getting on @Najah x

My son had this at about 10 months. He had blood tests although the Dr wasn't worried- I was.

No idea when it went but he I
is nearly 6 now and absolutely fine

Thank you for your message x
Dentist found out he had a tooth infection on the left last week and gave him antibiotics. The lymph node that i feel is on the right on his neck. Doc checked him yesterday and said she could feel another one when he has the tooth infection. She referred him for a blood test.
My son has huge tonsils too. Will keep you posted. Any update on your daughter's one? Xx

@whataballbag how is your son now? I am so worried about mine!

Same here with my 6 year old. Doctor says her son has it too, for over a year, and she isn’t remotely concerned. I think it’s super common and normal. We’ve had an ultrasound which came back as a reactive lymph node. I took him to a soft play last week and noticed it on a lot of children too.