8 yr old neck lump possible lymphoma?

Hi everyone, I’m new here and wondered if anyone had been through something similar. Last June (2018) my Daughter (age 8) was referred to a Paediatrician for frequent infections, chronic fatigue abd tummy pain. Lots of tests later and although ANA positive with high IGM, she was blanket diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome following glandular fever she had age 5. Fast forward to last October (2018) she developed a lump in her neck. In December 2018 she had an ultrasound on it and we were told it was a harmless cyst. Back and forth to the GP we went as it steadily grew; kept being told it’s just a cyst. Now, 8 months later, following a routine Paediatrician appointment last Monday, we got an urgent referral to ENT and another ultrasound scan, that scan was last Thursday and we were told it’s not a cyst it’s a huge lymph node. I feel awful having watched this lump grow and grow thinking it’s just s cyst. The urgency in which we’ve been referred to ENT is great but worrying. We see ENT tomorrow. The Paediatrician said they will probably do a biopsy. I’ve looked up lymphoma and my Daughter fits the symptoms to a T. I’m so worried and feel I’ve got nowhere to turn? Any similar experiences? Her lump is 3cm X 2cm and sticking out of her neck at the back. Thank You. 

  • Hi there - I can't offer any medical info (one of the nurses here might help) but just to say first of all don't feel guilty we all trust doctors! Second - looking things up (Google?) is the worst thing you can do. I had bowel cancer tests recently & googled & so of course I had it. Well I haven't now tests results are back. It's good you've been referred & you'll soon find out what's going on then you'll know if there's anything to worry about or not. Either way you'll be able to get on with things. Try to keep busy if you can - take a deep breath & tomorrow will soon come.

    Very good luck & I'm sure people will come along here soon to offer more support. x

  • Thank you very much for the reply and advice, it is appreciated ;-)

  • You are very welcome. I shall think about you & your little one tomorrow & keep my fingers (& toes) crossed. xx

  • Just want you to know I’m thinking of you all, were going through the same thing we noticed a 3cm x 4cm lymph node on my sons neck 14 weeks ago, he’s had a chest x Ray, bloods, stomach x Ray and ultrasound. Everything except ultrasound was clear. Although ultrasound showed no sinister symptoms only 17mm lymph node. We were discharged from peadatrics but my GP isn’t happy and is re referring us. So were just waiting now, my son is 4. Hope it’s good news for you all x

  • Thank you, hope all goes well with your little boy too xx 

  • Just to update on my original post we saw ENT today and they are doing an excision biopsy on 16th July. He said he can’t tell me it isn’t cancer but that cancer is very rare and we will be in very good hands. Feeling very numb at the moment. My Daughter has no idea how worried I am or what it might be, she’s just excited to be going to hospital :-)
  •  Hi - thanks for letting us know how you got on. You will be feeling numb & you must also feel scared too. Most important for the moment is that your daughter isn't upset or worried - you must be doing an EXCELLENT job keeping your fears to yourself. Try, if you can, to focus on the fact that cancer IS very rare as the Dr. said. I suspect that if s/he was overly worried you wouldn't have to wait until the 16th July & you ARE in good hands. The NHS is brilliant with little ones especially.

    Do please keep posting for reassurance & support as & when you feel you need to & keep us up to date. Everyone who has read &/or responded to your post will care what's happening. You're managing I can tell because of your daughter's response so keep busy & focus on the positive side of what you were told at ENT & not your anxiety & negative thoughts.

    All good wishes & keep in touch. xxx

  • That’s so very kind and thoughtful of you thank you x