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Original poster

Have just taken ds to the docs about a lunp in his neck...

23 replies

Milkysallgone · 23/06/2008 13:18

and now I feel really worried. He is 22mths and has we've noticed over the last few days that this lump is getting larger and protruding more. Gp looked at it and said it needs checking, and he's going to find out who to refer to and get in touch pretty soon.

I just can't stop thinking the worst now; dh is a total worrier (after losing Mum to cancer young), and I can feel myself panicking more and more now. I feel sick .

Does anyone have any experience of this or any idea who he'll be referred to?

OP posts:
sarah293 · 23/06/2008 13:19

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

getbackinyouryurtjimjams · 23/06/2008 13:20

Not sure, but ds1 has had lumps up in his neck for years- apparently related to eczema/barking immune system in his case.
I had a lump on one side recently when I had a boil in my hairline (bleurgh - only a small one- like a big zit sounds attractive!).

Doc sounds as if he is being cautious - which is a good thing.

Scootergrrrl · 23/06/2008 13:20

My friend's son had one recently and it was a reaction to a viral infection she didn't even know he'd had. Try not to worry.

cornsilk · 23/06/2008 13:20

My ds used to get lumps in his neck all the time when he was 2. The gp monitored them for a while but decided they were okay - something to do with glands.He doesn't have them any more.
Try not to worry - your doctor is probably just being thorough.

Gobbledigook · 23/06/2008 13:20

Try not to worry - it could be something and nothing.

My brother had a lump in his neck as a toddler and my mum was worried sick - it turned out to be a cyst I think.

I also had a lump in my neck when I was about 20 - I was terrified and I had to have it removed. It turned out to be an enlarged gland due to toxoplasmosis (which I had never realised I'd had!).

Really, don't worry unless you have to - it's wasted energy.

We have worried sick over some health queries with ds2 this year and it's turned out to be nothing too.

KatyMac · 23/06/2008 13:21

A child I care for just had an abscess in a gland on the back of the head

It was either anti-biotics or having it lanced, they started with the A-B and it went

Hope it's like this

avenanap · 23/06/2008 13:22

He should be referred to a paediatrician. Alot of children develop lumps, the rule of thumb is that ones that are fast growing are likely to be due to an infection rather than anything sinister. Where about in his neck is it?

Original poster
Milkysallgone · 23/06/2008 13:22

Thank you all so much for your quick repies. It's really helping to hear your rational words! I think Dh's panic makes me worse.

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popsycal · 23/06/2008 13:23

ds2 had this at just under 1 - turns out he had lymphangitis nd needed hospital and IV antibiotics
don't panic - more likely to be 'nothing' than 'something'
we were refered to children's outpatients at our local a and e and were dealt with from there

Twiglett · 23/06/2008 13:23

He will most probably be referred on to a paediatrician who can do some tests to determine what it is

Did the GP have any idea .. it is most probably a benign cyst that may need draining / removing

But you have started the ball rolling and he will be seen quickly I'm sure

About the worry .. look you're going to worry this is why we were put on earth to worry about our offspring .. but remember worry is not useful in itself .. you need to maximise your opporunities to deal with this calmly by NOT googling and by doing some breathing exercises .. worry and panic is not of use .. your job is now to ensure that the NHS system works quickly and efficiently

so when did GP say he'd get back to you .. consider when you can chase him to find out .. then get details of referral and chase the secretary

dependent on the wait you could consider privately funding initial consultant visit if you can afford to then move across to the NHS list afterwards

Original poster
Milkysallgone · 23/06/2008 13:23

It's on the left hand side sort of halfway down.

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Twiglett · 23/06/2008 13:24

cross-posted but we're all saying the same thing I see

Original poster
Milkysallgone · 23/06/2008 13:26

GP didn't say what he thought it was - just not to worry. Twig- have already broken the golden rule about googling.

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Gobbledigook · 23/06/2008 13:26

It's always more worrying when you are referred because you think that must mean something - honestly, ds2 has had all sorts of tests this year, ultrasounds, bone scans etc. He's also been referred to a Rheumatologist but it turns out he doesn't have arthritis or anything like that at all.

They are just being thorough and eliminating possibilities.

Gobbledigook · 23/06/2008 13:27

ARgh - DO NOT GOOGLE!!!

getbackinyouryurtjimjams · 23/06/2008 13:29

I googled one sided lumps on necks when I had mine (that's how I found my spot hadn't realised it was there until then). BUt the sinister stuff is in different age groups.

Another possibility is mumps. Kiddies get it very mildy (or they can do). Has he had any cold symptoms.

getbackinyouryurtjimjams · 23/06/2008 13:30

sinister stuff being in adults I mean. I think you should be reassured. I would imagine the GP wants to rule out a cyst thingy as mentioned above as that presumably would need draining (or whatever it is they do)

Volkl · 23/06/2008 13:31

I had a lump like this on my neck when i was younger.

I was referred to B'ham's children hospital, they took blood and measured the growth. It was found to be a benign lymph node that had got infected.

I still get lumps (as we all do) that grow and shrink as they fight infection.

avenanap · 23/06/2008 13:35

Is it sqwishy/hard/red/tender? It sounds as though it is possible one of the lymph nodes in his neck. It is possible that it is a collection of fluid in the node coming from the lympatic system, this is Ok. It could also be an infection. They always look for the nasties first just to eliminate them, it is standard practice so try not to let it worry you. Let them do some tests, they will probably do an ultrasound which will show up any fluid which may be there. You'll know more after this. The fact that it is grown so much after a couple of days does indicate that it is more likely to be fluid though.

Try not to google though, it will come up with all sorts of things, none of which will be accurate.

MrsMacaroon · 23/06/2008 13:39

i've had a lump on my neck in the same place for as long as I can remember- tis a swollen gland...some people glands take a while to go down after virus and occasionally remain enlarged. It's natural to worry though.

LadyOfWaffle · 23/06/2008 13:46

DS has one (think it's still there) at the back, the size of a very small pea - feels like a raised gland or something so I haven't had it checked out TBH. I am always getting lumps behind my ears when I am ill, think we are a lumpy family

avenanap · 23/06/2008 13:48

I have 2 enlarged glands, the size of petit pois, just above my clavicle. I was told by the GP not to worry but to go back if they grew. Glands do swell up if you are ill, they are producing lymph which has the white cells in it to fight the infection. It's perfectly normal. They can go ott though. Any excessive swelling should be checked.

Original poster
Milkysallgone · 23/06/2008 13:58

Thanks. I'm feeling much better already. Will wait for the appointment now. Mumsnet is fab!

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