My 2-1/2 year old son has had a swollen lymph node under the angle of his jaw for 4 months now. At first I thought it was cat scratch fever, but the lymph node has persisted. It started out the size of a super ball (smaller than a golf ball), and is now the size of a marble. It seemed to be improving for a while, but now the skin appears purpleish (like it is vascularizing or something). Now I am noticing other smaller but swollen lymph nodes in his neck. He doesn't have a fever, he is not lethargic, he seems to have a normal appetite (kind of up and down) for a child (however, he has only gained 1 pound in the last year). The nodule is hard, non-tender, and seems to be attached to the skin (non-movable).
Originally he was diagnosed by his pediatrician (whom I will never go back to - for personal reasons) with a lymph node infection, but no cultures were made. I am a big supporter of natural healing, but I am starting to get concerned. Is it possible for a child at his age to have cancer, and would he be more sick if that's what it was? He has a lot of energy, and it doesn't seem to affect him at all.
Any advice you can give would be appreciated.
Reply: -----------------------------
Children often develop chronically enlarged lymph nodes due to repetitive childhood upper respiratory infections. It is not uncommon to have persistent lymph node enlargement for several months after an infection that is associated with significant acute lymph node enlargement. While it is not possible to rule out malignancy with 100% certainty without a tissue biopsy, it is more likely that lymph node enlargement such as you have described is related to chronic lymphoid hyperplasia. Troubling signs would include progressive enlargement of lymph nodes, progressive development of multiple enlarged lymph nodes, lymph nodes that are hard, the presence of systemic symptoms such as lethargy, night sweats, easy bruising, etc. Such signs may provide indication to consider tissue biopsy.
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Steve Dankle, MD
Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
Milwaukee, Wis
NOTICE: OFCN is not engaged in the rendering of professional medical services. The information contained on this system or any other OFCN system should not supplant individual professional consultation. It is offered exclusively as a community education service. Advice on individual problems must be obtained directly from a professional.
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