Daughter 22 has lump one side neck

[Mel111314]

Hi
Daughter went dentist 2 weeks ago and dentist said gland was up 1 side
And gave her antibiotics
It’s been 2 weeks and no change in lump
She went GP who felt it and said she’s not worried at all and to come back in 2 weeks if still there
It’s been 2 weeks this Thursday
She slept all day today and says she’s tired
She’s often tired and sleeps a lot

She works full time childcare
I’m concerned
She’s made another dr app for this week
Any advice please ???
Thanks

[Ken_PA]

There are two possible non-cancer reasons that a node can stay enlarged for a long, long time.
- fibrosis (scar tissue) has developed inside
- there is some ongoing infection/inflammation

Each of those is much more likely than any cancer, especially if she had a tooth problem. So yes, she should want to know what the cause is; but no, don't worry about cancer. But if you still really, really want to rule out cancer, then ask for an ultrasound.

[Mel111314]

Thank you
Her app is now Thursday next  week
Was this week
But we both ended up with Covid
She does work in a day care
And there is always some sort sickness there
Maybe this could be a reason too ?
Thank you for responding though
I am stressing over it

[Ken_PA]

Hey, Mel! You got lucky. Yep, the ultrasound tech is not supposed to tell what they see, but you got a kindly one.

When you finally do see the US report (keep a copy always, and the blood test, too) it will say that the nodes are "reactive". That means they are reacting to an infection, and they get big because they're making lots of extra immune cells inside to fight the infection. So then, her blood test will likely say that her lymphocytes are high - those are the immune cells and it's normal for them to go high. It's not leukemia :)

Thanks for letting me know what happened. I'll be here if you have any other questions. I'm happy it turned out well, as expected.

[Ken_PA]

"day care
And there is always some sort sickness there
Maybe this could be a reason too ?"
Yes, it could because that causes the immune system to get all riled up. What she might have is an immune system that over reacts. That also fits with her constant tiredness.

Is there a family history of odd immune system conditions? If not, then this enlarged node could just be a one time thing.

"I am stressing over it"
Yes, I understand. So while there is no reason to think this is cancer, sometimes if the patient herself is really worried some doctors will order the ultrasound. An ultrasound can see inside an enlarged node and verify that it is not-cancer.

I have talked to many people with enlarged nodes, where it turns out to be not-cancer. From all the facts you've provided, this will turn out good for your daughter.

[Mel111314]

Thanks again
She’s changed app from Thursday to tomorrow
She’s asking for ultrasound
So will hopefully find out more then

Thanks again for reply

[Mel111314]

Thanks again
She’s changed app from Thursday to tomorrow
She’s asking for ultrasound
So will hopefully find out more then

Thanks again for reply

[Mel111314]

Hi
Went GP today
And she said there are actually 2 lumps
Daughter did bloods
And had ultrasound
The girl who did it asked her if she’d been sick
And she had
Then told her not to lose any sleep over them
(The lumps)
And said her GP will prob just get her back in a month for another ultrasound
So we are guessing all is ok
She is yet to get results off GP
The lady who did scan isn’t really allowed to comment on results
But reading between the lines it mustn’t be anything serious
Hopefully the GP will contact my daughter tomorrow

[Mel111314]

Hi
Went GP today
And she said there are actually 2 lumps
Daughter did bloods
And had ultrasound
The girl who did it asked her if she’d been sick
And she had
Then told her not to lose any sleep over them
(The lumps)
And said her GP will prob just get her back in a month for another ultrasound
So we are guessing all is ok
She is yet to get results off GP
The lady who did scan isn’t really allowed to comment on results
But reading between the lines it mustn’t be anything serious
Hopefully the GP will contact my daughter tomorrow

[shadowmed]

It sounds like the doc is waiting to see if lump goes. If it doesn’t and your daughter has other symptoms, they’ll probably do blood tests to see if infection. If not infection, they will investigate further. You are doing the right thing by keeping up with doc appts