Ok just took my kids to the dr for ear infections they all had last week. The good news is the ear infection on my 3 year old son is gone, the bad news is the dr said his lymph nodes are swollen and said to watch him for the next month. The he shot out the word "lymphoma" as a possiblilty. Why would a dr say that unless there was reasonable suspision? He wants us to just watch it for the next month and see if any more appear or if they get bigger. I guess I don't even know what I am asking, I am just totally freaking out with that word being mentioned. I trust this site usually more than any med web site because ya'll are real moms. so any experience like this or advice on calming me down... would be great!
My DS always gets very enlarged nodes after an infection. It's rather normal. Our pediatrician always has us return in 10 days and sometimes again so he can check to be sure it goes away. If it DOESN'T go away, it can cause problems, but not cancer. Our pediatrician told me some kids can keep swollen lymph nodes for up to 3-6 months after a bad infection. So, it's important to watch them closely, but no need to panic.
Are you sure he said "lymphia"? That isn't even a condition! It doesn't mean anything!
It is normal for the lymph nodes to be enlarged during and shortly after an infection. The lymph nodes is where the bodies immune cells are produced and housed. An yes, it is normal to keep an eye on it, just to be sure nothing is missed.
Relax. They will be fine.
My 3 year old nephew gets major swollen lymph nodes any time he is sick, especially with infections such as ear infection. His pediatrician explained that lymph nodes are the body's filter for infection and that by them enlarging when you have an infection the body is doing its job. He has had this happen since he had his first ear infection at about 5 months. They get really large and you can sometimes see them in his neck. They take a while to get back to normal and it scared us the first couple of times but after a while they always go back to normal size.
Call your Doc.
Get clarified on the term he used... was it "lymphia?" or not?
Also, with infections, lymph nodes can get swollen.
Did your son get any kind of antibiotic, per his ear infections?
Because, one course of action for swollen lymph nodes, are antibiotics.
At the time the Doc said "lymphia" did you ask him what that was? Or why he said that? Or what he thinks?
I would have.
And, where on his body is the swollen lymph node(s)?
You need to call the Pediatrician back.
I got swollen lymph nodes one time. turns out mine was caused from my cat getting scared and sticking her claw in me. they just gave me some antibiotics and it was good.
I actually just googled "lymphia" and got absolutely nothing. Did you mean he said "lymphoma"? Assuming that is what he said, I would question why a doctor would say something so scary with so little to go on... that would be rather irresponsible. Here is what I know... during and after an infection, the lymph nodes in the impacted area are swollen because they have been fighting the infection. So, if he just had an ear infection, it would be perfectly normal for the lymph nodes in that area to be swollen. Keep and eye on it like he said, and go back for a check up in a month, but try (I know, easier said that done) not to worry to hard at this point. You just can't base a seriuos diagnosis of lymphoma simply off some swollen lymph nodes - it is much much much more likely to be due to the recent infection. Hang in there momma.
Whatever you do don't google it!! You will scare yourself to death for no reason! I know its scary because its your baby. My son was born with enlarged nodes behind his ears and he is 15 and we have never had a problem. It would make sense to me if they are swollen just barely getting over a infection like that. Like he said, just watch them but don't freak out and sometimes docs speak before thinking! They do it all day and I really think if he would of thought it was serious he wouldn't have left it as a wait and see issue. Have a good and calm weekend! Hugs to you love!
