18 answers

Swollen Lymph Node

My son has a swollen lymph node in his neck. It is about the size of a 1 cm peanut. It never goes away. It has been like that for years. He is a perfectly healthy little guy but the swollen lymph node concerns me. When we point it out to the Dr. he says, it is probably nothing. Has anyone else seen this?

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So What Happened?™

I took my son to the Doctor this past week. As many of you mentioned, the lymph node was in fact 3/4 of a cm to 1cm large, moved around easily and was in the back of his neck near his ears. The Dr. once again reassured me that this is all very normal and there is nothing to worry about so long as it doesn't get any larger, harder and continues to move around easily. He also said that it is very common in children to have lymph nodes in the back of their neck that are larger in size and don't go down. From everything that I have read and been told, regarding the warning signs, I am definitely reassured for now. Of course, I will continue to monitor him regularly! Thank you for all of your thoughtful messages.

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Some people have lymph nodes that are always swollen for no real reason. I have one behind my ear that is always up- since I can remember.

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My son has the same size lymph node at the back of his neck/base of his skull. As long as nodes are 1cm or less and can freely move, they are considered benign. I know it can be worrisome, but if it meets these criteria, it should be ok.

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Same thing! My 18 month has had it since birth. From what the doctor has told us, as long as it moves around and doesn't grow bigger it's fine. Fluids from ear infections and sinus problems apparently drain into that node. The doctor makes sure he checks it at every well baby visit. Looks like you're not alone on this topic! Take care.

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My son has the same size lymph node at the back of his neck/base of his skull. As long as nodes are 1cm or less and can freely move, they are considered benign. I know it can be worrisome, but if it meets these criteria, it should be ok.

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My one son use to have it that it looked liked a dinsour trail down the side of his neck. They would come and go. And it usaly was that he was fighting a cold. I would fight to go to an ENT. They can make sure that it is not clogged or anything else. Sometimes any more we have to fight to get help for our children.

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HOnestly, I have no idea what this could be. However, the fact that it's been like that so long is VERY concerning. I personally do not like your pediatrician's answer. I would take him to see a specialist immediately.
Best of luck to you.

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My son also had this. His were mainly behind the ear. Out ped said it was normal. They have gone down in size but I can still feel them a little. My son seems healthy too. Since they have gone down I'm not too concerned.

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K.,
My daughter has had the same thing. They come and go. The dr. has checked it out and said it was nothing. I noticed one last week that was on her head behind her ear. It is bizarre. I would mention it at his next check up just so it is on record. But they told me not to worry.
J.

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Hi K.,

I'm so glad you asked about this. I have two sons, ages 6 and 3. They both have permanent visible lymph nodes in their necks, halfway between their ears and collarbone. Out of concern I have mentioned the nodes to their doctor at every physical, and the doctor assures me they are perfectly fine and nothing to worry about unless the lumps change or bother them. On unrelated medical treatment, my 6 year old had bloodwork done and an x-ray. I asked his doctor and the x-ray tech to make notes about his lump. The bloodwork came back and showed no indication of infections. The x-ray tech had kindly marked near the lump on his neck with a metal dot and the dot showed up on the x-ray, but not the lump. It was nothing to worry about after all. I felt much better about having more certainty it was a harmless node. Keep monitoring it for changes and remember to enjoy your little boy. They don't stay little forever!

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There are two kids on my street with lumps like this, and they get told the same thing all the time by their doctors. (different doctors). Both moms worry about it, despite the advice, as you seem to be doing, since I'm sure that it just doesn't seem right. One little boy has uber allergies and an immune system dysfunction. The other little guy is just fine, but may have a little mild allergies, we suspect.

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