Lump in 2 year olds neck

Hello guys, 

my two year old son has a pea sized maybe a little bigger sized lump on the right side of his neck, very much lymph node area. He's had it since April last year but I've only recently noticed, it was only when looking back through photos that I noticed it in earlier photos. He went to the doctors and they just said he must of had a cold etc and they was just swollen and it would go down in a couple of weeks. It hasn't and as of the last few weeks he is extremely irritable, he has awful night sweats and I make sure his room is cool and less clothing when necessary, last night he was sweating to the point his pyjama top and hair was drenched in sweat, temperatures that fluctuate. He bruises very easily but is also a typical two year old boy, he is tired and restless but I've always put that down too him being a active little boy. He's always had a pale complexion, but worse in recent weeks, he doesn't eat much and doesn't put on weight. I have an appointment at the hospital next month due to him passing out randomly. I'm so worried, does any one have any experience or advice? 
 

Thank you. 

  • Hi EddiesMummy and thanks for posting.

    I'm sorry to hear you're having such a worrying time.

    Children often get lumps and swellings in their glands when there is an infection in the body that the immune system is fighting off. Sometimes these will disappear after a couple of weeks, sometimes it will take longer for them to reduce in size.

    Cancer, from our statistics, is rare in children, so there is a good chance this nothing to worry about. Many conditions can have the same symptoms as cancer and often turn out to be something much less serious.

    But it may be an idea to follow up with your GP to discuss what is happening with your son, as you say you are very worried.

    I know you have an appointment at the hospital with him next month for passing out, your GP will be able to assess all his other symptoms too and decide whether they would like any blood tests or other investigations.

    If your GP was concerned that your son had anything serious wrong with him they would be urgently referring him to the hospital for a paediatrician to review him. 

    I hope this is helpful.

    You may find it useful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Best wishes

    Rachel