Anyone else have experience with visible lymph node in child?

[Pinkie12]

My son is 6 years old. Two months ago he had a cough and cold - nothing major, but I noticed when he tilted his head to the side he had a visible lymph node appear which he’s never had before. Two months on and it’s still there, hasn’t changed size. No other symptoms. His GP wasn’t concerned but I paid privately to have an ultrasound because it was giving me great worry all day everyday. Ultrasound showed benign reactive lymph nodes - funnily the one on his left side measured larger - even though I can only see the prominent lump on the right side. I feel somewhat reassured after the results but upon seeing it again it has spiralled that fear all over again. Just wanted to know if anyone else is or has experienced the same - and to hopefully reassure that not going away is also completely normal?

@NiceCupOfChai apparently not always - but vast majority of the time it’s true.

Yes my sons has been inflamed for three years, they keep checking with ultrasounds they keep coming back clear but they give him an almighty headache.

This rationale would make sense if you were asking for a biopsy for reassurance (note I do not think this is necessary!) but you’re not. You’re asking a group of unknown anonymous Mumsnetters to look at a photo you’ve taken. Great if that reassures you, but anyone with any sense can see
it adds nothing of value to what you already know!

@Kirbert2 there is never any harm in talking with other parents facing similar circumstances.
The fact that our GP is not concerned and that other mums have said theirs have lasted a long time with no other issues - has definitely helped to reassure me. And if it reassures one more parent - combined with a good ultrasound report/blood test - that’s good enough for me.

Of course. Whatever helps with reassurance.

I just think the most important thing to remember is that lymphoma almost always follows increasing symptoms and isn't usually just a lymph node. That is the ultimate reassurance.

Completely! I was hysterical… even after the scan I wasn’t convinced as you always think the worst especially with lumps and bumps! Kids are a worry. I found reading on here and talking to people on here so helpful! I still worry a bit but honestly it’s so common when you look on these threads! ❤️ try not to worry, I know easier said than done x

My nephew has this when he was around 5. You’ve done the right thing by seeing a GP and getting a second opinion when you still had that niggling feeling.

I’m so sorry @Kirbert2 I was supposed to tag @NiceCupOfChai to my last post instead - to whom I would also like to say that you seem rational enough to see that you are dealing with someone who has no knowledge/experience with lymph nodes. I don’t know whether my photo may or may not add value regarding its size or location or anything else relevant. But I think that to seek support here would only seem irrational if it replaced a proper medical evaluation by a doctor - which has been done first and foremost. The intention of this thread was to add additional reassurance and understanding following the 5 minute appointment I was able to have with a good doctor who is also a man of few words. Thank you

I have always had this from a small child. My immune system seems to kick in via the lymph nodes.

my neck they’re usually palpable if not visible. If I’m ill or have been ill you can see the whole left side.

occasionally I get others in more random places- behind my ear, armpits, groin. Once I got one above my collarbone which I thought nothing of at the time. Several years later I found out it’s nearly always a sign of something serious- clearly not in my case as I’m now in my 50’s and not dead yet!

I think some people just have reactive lymph nodes.

They are definitely always worth getting checked out.

My son did have lymphoma, he's been in remission for 18 months now and if anyone is worried about their child I always try and reassure them but at the same time always encourage to get it checked.

I remember my daughter having enlarged nodes around that age and I was so worried. She had them for years.

I’m extremely grateful for everyone’s input. And to@Kirbert2, I wish your son a long happy life with the very best of health and you are extremely wonderful for actively helping guide/reassure other parents out there.

Just wanted to check in, I thought I’d leave the node a while and check up again today to make sure they weren’t bigger or harder. While the node is exactly the same, I checked his whole neck and found another prominent one on the other side under his hairline. I’m not sure if it has always been there or just appeared. I’m trying not to worry as it feels smaller, but I’ve made another appointment which is in a month’s time.

I'd really try not to worry. If he had lymphoma, he'd very likely be experiencing more symptoms by now.

I hope the appointment reassures you xx