Hard, unmoveable head lump toddler

[Itsamumslife25]

My little one is almost 2. She’s had a very hard, bony feeling lump on the left side of her head, about an inch from her ear from as long as I can remember. You can’t see it as it’s under the skin / hair but it feel like a small marble that’s been cut in half.

I’ve had it checked with three GPs as it worries me sick. They’ve all said not to worry and that it’s a bony lump or hardened lymph node but to keep an eye on if it grows (well this worries me a lot). It seems to have grown marginally as she’s grown. I asked for a referral to paediatrics but after reviewing the GPs notes they didn’t even want to see her.

Has anyone had similar and what was the outcome? Or can anyone medical advise me on why they want me to check if it’s grown - like would it be really obvious growth they’re after??
Little one has also developed a hair twiddling habit right where the lump is so I’m concerned it’s bothering her…but equally it doesn’t seem to hurt her.

Thank you in advance

I would trust the GP and the team that they referred to, but if you’re still concerned is there an option to get a private opinion?

If you want a bit of an explanation on how the GP are likely thinking:

"this pattern matches very well to a calcified lymph node and those don't need anything done. The advice from specialists is reassuring. If it grew significantly I'd have to change my hypothesis so they need to know that's a reason to bring back."

I doubt they have a specific alternative diagnosis in mind when they say that, they just are using it as a prompt for re-evaluation. Unless there's some new piece of information your end it sounds as if it's safe to leave things as they are?

The usual outcome for these is nothing happens and then years later people remember "oh that was there, can't find it any more though / oh it's still there but very small".

Thank you so much for taking the time to explain this, it has really helped. I hadn’t considered about them not having a specific diagnosis in mind if it were to grow so that makes me feel better. I will look up calcified lymph nodes - they didn’t really tell me what they thought it was which didn’t help me either.

I think you’re right, I can probably just leave it as is. The only new thing is the hair twirling / knotting in the same area but that could just be a coincidence.

thank you again!

Thank you, I think you’re probably right. I hadn’t considered going private but could be worth looking in to.

'Marble cut in half' is an excellent description. I have exactly the same, mine is near my crown. No idea what it is, never caused me any problems, although can get a bit achey if I prod it enough. Doctors and osteopath not remotely concerned. I'm in my 50s.

I also have a hard, immobile, half marble sized lump. Mines in my neck and has been there since I was a baby.