Worried about sons lymph nodes

Worried you might have a blood cancer?
1

Hi all.

I’m not really sure what I’m after but maybe just some reassurance/stories of similar scenarios.

My 15yr old son had some swollen lymph nodes in January after us all being unwell. One of them stayed swollen, like a marble, quite hard under his jaw area. We saw the gp x3 times over 3 months and they’ve brushed it off and weren’t concerned at all.

fast forward until now, the lymph node is still there and now he has more in his neck and behind one of his ears. They are smaller, firm all are moveable. He hasn’t been unwell and is absolutely fine in himself.

We went to the gp today and he said he could feel more lymph nodes but in his opinion felt ok and are small. He has referred him for an ultrasound which should be soonish I hope.

I just wondered if anyone else has had this type of thing go on and what was the outcome. I feel so worried and anxious.

Thank you for reading x

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Hello @Liz4

Thank you for your post and welcome to our forum.

We are sorry to hear that your son has a swollen lymph node and that this is causing you to feel worried, although it is totally understandable to feel this way.

It sounds like your son has done the right thing by going to the GP as we would advise to get any concerns, new or persistent lumps or bumps or any new or worsening symptoms checked out by the GP.

It is reassuring that he is going for an ultrasound and sounds like the GP is being thorough, but we can imagine it is daunting to have this wait. We hope others can share their experiences with you. In case it is useful, there is a thread of people talking through similar situations and can be found via Hard Lump behind Left Ear - Worried you might have a blood cancer? - Blood Cancer UK Online Community Forum

Lymph nodes can be swollen for numerous causes which can range from infections such as colds, tonsilitis, glandular fever and other viral or bacterial infections, to allergies, chronic or immune conditions such as arthritis or lupus as well as cancers such as a lymphoma.

Sometimes after having an infection, lymph nodes can stay raised for long periods of time, they may even go up and down and are sometimes referred to as ‘reactive lymph nodes’. It is important to still get this assessed by the GP and be mindful of any additional symptoms such as drenching night sweats, feeling exhausted/ fatigued, itching, fevers, coughing, feeling short of breath or unexplained weight loss which the GP should also be informed of.

For our guide, please see our page Blood cancer symptoms and signs | Blood Cancer UK

If you would like to talk anything through with one of our team members, please give us a call on 0808 2080 888.

Warm wishes,
Emma (Support Services Nurse

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