Hard moveable lump on 11month old DS clavicle. Petrified

[miniworry]

Firstly I know that mumsnet is not a place full of medical professionals and I will book a doctors appointment first thing tomorrow morning but I'm currently in total fear mode (I have awful heath anxiety anyway) and wondered if people can talk me down until the morning.

My little boy 11 months has had what seems like a white pimple on his neck right by the end of his clavicle for a week or so and today I decided to press it. Just underneath it I can feel a small hard lump that when I press it shoots off somewhere. I stupidly googled it and saw 'super clavicle' lymph nodes and how they nearly always point to cancer. I've been sick and I'm crippled by fear now. I don't know how I'm going to sleep until tomorrow.

It's not above his collarbone but directly on or almost under the bone and I would say it's a bit less than 1cm.

I have awful health anxiety from when he has meningitis at 4 weeks and I'm just a mess, not really sure what I'm hoping to get here maybe just some stories where things have turned out ok?

@ThatLilacTiger the kindness of mums even when you're strangers, I can't thank you enough for this and I've reread this so many times.

Health anxiety is the worst so this means so much that you've taken the time to help talk me down until my appointment tomorrow morning.

Continuous coughs and colds through the winter from nursery is totally normal, unfortunately. Under 5s have a respiratory virus 50% of the year on average meaning plenty of children have a cough or cold virus MORE than 50% of the year. And as more bugs go round in winter, it means your LO will be ill continuously in the winter months. I know it's worrying, but it's really normal.

FWIW, I think my baby is currently on their third round of hand foot and mouth since starting nursery in October. Fever for the first round, only isolated hand and mouth spots (and a snotty nose) for rounds two and three. It's relentless...

It was on sight and feel alone. The lump was firm and round and the size of a pea. I could roll it around under his skin x

@Wackadaywideawake this is exactly what my sons feels like. Thank you so much for sharing x

You are very welcome. I get health anxiety too so I know how you’re feeling right now - it’s awful! ❤️

@OtterMummy2024 thank you so much for trying to keep my head level by providing all that information, it really does help!

I checked my son’s lump tonight - it has definitely completely gone! He was very bemused in his 11-year-old way. There was definitely an eye-roll. 😂

Thinking of you tonight x

Just wanted to update incase anyone stumbles across this thread looking for similar in the future.

We saw the private paediatrician today who was just phenomenal! He asked what my concerns were and when I said lymphoma and explained why he very patiently told me all the reasons you lovely ladies did regarding the itching (the itching would only come once they were very unwell already) even before looking at the lump.

Straight away he said it wasn't a lymph node and he was very sure that it was a cyst of some sort. He said to close the loop though it needed scanning to see exactly what type of cyst it was. We were able to wait for the ultrasound there and then. It is indeed a cyst that they believe has resulted from an infected follicle that has likely been just under the skin from birth and has become repeatedly infected. There is actually also another small cyst underneath this one and they are draining into each other each time they become infected.

They have referred us to the paeds dermatologist on the nhs and they said it's very probable that they will want to remove the cyst as it's likely to continue to get reinfected due to how think the walls are (?) but that it's nothing concerned to his health.

I can't thank you all enough for your support through the last few days when my mind wandered to the darkest of places.

Mumsnet can really be incredible ❤️

Great update. Now have a big glass of something cool and relax .X

Ah… I’ve been thinking about you today OP - so happy to read your update, and I’m pleased they were able to scan and put your mind completely at rest ❤️

I'm so pleased you were able to get answers and that it was the best news.

I'm glad it's all OK and the private scan has given you the reassurance and information you needed.

Worrying about your child’s health is one of the worst feelings ever. My DD has a cyst on her shin, of all places. When I first felt it I was very shocked and you can't help but have a fear it could be something bad. No one likes unexplained lumps and bumps for obvious reasons. Like your little boy's though hers is harmless. It's just being left there and she's named it!

I've had one of those for about 20 years..... should I be worried

Thank you so much everyone, I can't tell you the relief ❤️

@Mynewnameis no I really wouldn't worry, I think the only reason they will remove it (if they decide to) is because it's likely to get bigger and bigger so if yours hasn't changed in 12 years I bet it isn't going to!

@Lindy2 I love that she's named it, that's absolutely brilliant!