Lump on toddlers neck/back of skull behind ear

Hi, when my little boy was around 8 months old we noticed a small lump at the back of his skull, near the bottom of his hairline behind his right ear. We went to the doctors and a trainee GP said that it could just be a swollen lymp node and said to go back if it ever got bigger or we noticed more. It's never got any bigger and just stayed the same size really and he's now 20 months. I went to the pharmacist the other day and they checked it over and said for peace of mind go back to the doctors and get it checked as it's slightly hard (I think) and I'm not too sure if it's moving or if it's just the skin over the top moving. I rang the doctors back yesterday and they said it doesn't seem concerning as it had got bigger but he's going to check over it on Monday. I suffer really bad with health anxiety and now worrying something's wrong because it's never shrunk. 

  • Hello and thanks for your post

    I’m sorry you are worried about your baby son having a raised lymph node . I appreciate this can cause a lot of anxiety, especially when it's to do with your baby.

    Swollen lymph nodes are common in babies and children especially as their immune system is developing and they are exposed to coughs and colds and other viruses. It isn't unusual for a lymph node to remain swollen for many years and in the majority of cases doesn't usually cause the child any harm.

    Your GP will assess the lump and hopefully they will be able to give you some peace of mind.

    I hope everything turns out to be okay. Give us a ring if you would to talk anything over. The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Kind regards,

    Celene