Swollen Neck Node in DS age 4

[FNW2017]

Hi all,

I’ve been going out my mind for the last 2 weeks. My son has a 2cmx1cm node swelling on the left side of his neck. We saw the GP as soon as I noticed it, they said was probably due to a virus and to go back in 3 weeks if still there. It is obviously still there and due to go back next week. It’s not gotten any bigger and it doesn’t hurt him (which worries me).
It may be worth noting he had a dental abscess around 3 weeks ago due to an injured tooth, this cleared up with the antibiotics. He then went on to have a cough and fever the week after (negative covid test) then noticed this swelling.
I’ve googled with every inch of me, to the point where I am a nervous wreck, he has no other symptoms, no night sweats, loss of appetite weight loss etc and is full of energy. Sometimes gets bags under his eyes if he’s had a bad night or went to bed later etc.
Sensible thinking tells me that it’s his body reacting to two infections he’s had - -although one viral, irrational thinking tells me it’s something sinister and this thought consumes me at times. Any advice or experience?

My biggest piece of advice is to stop googling. I know this is hard and it's natural to want to seek out reassurance but it will leave you a nervous wreck as you have explained. It is very unlikely first of all, that a usually fit and healthy child would have developed something sinister. Of course it can happen but it's rare which is why we are so worried and taken aback when we do hear of it.

So the doctor has suggested returning in what would now be a week's time I guess? As hard as it is, distract yourself, keep busy and try not to think the worst. Worrying won't solve anything and you can really get yourself in a rabbit hole of stress. I have suffered with bad health anxiety in the past and I have convinced myself on numerous occasions that I have something badly wrong with me. Needless to say, this has never been the case.

If you're really worried, call the doctor sooner and they may try and squeeze you in. Sending hugs as I know these situations can be tough x

Thank you for your kind words. I too have had health anxiety for years it has been under control for a while but it only takes one little thing to trigger it, I’m 20 weeks pregnant too which won’t be helping as EVERYTHING is heightened.
I just wish it would go away 😔. But he is otherwise healthy and active 4 year old, there is sensible and rational reasoning behind it. I just always always focus on the worst case scenario. Sadly, it takes A lot of reassurance for me to snap out of the viscous cycle.

You'll probably get more advice if you ask for this thread to be moved to children's health.

My 17 year old has an enlarged lymph node on his neck. We intially consulted GP who said it was nothing to worry about, but after another 3 months we went back and they referred us to hospital.

Normal bloods, normal ultrasound, no other symptoms. It was concluded that it was just one of those things

If your son had other issues like bruising easily, excessive tiredness etc it might be an issue but its probably not clinically significant. However go back to GP if you are concerned - they might do bloods and other investigations to allay your fears

Also GP told me he still had the remnants of an enlarged lymph node on his neck which had popped up in childhood, which is now calcified

It's overwhelmingly likely to be as a result of his infections. My bil suffers similarly. He gets run down quite easily and his lymph nodes swell up really but they go down again once the infection passes.
Definitely follow it up if it'll put your mind at rest but it really is most likely that it's his series of illnesses that are causing the problem.

Thanks everyone. He’s back in at the GP next week so I’m going to ask for tests if it’s still there