HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

What Does A Lump On The Neck Indicate?

My son is 27 months old. He has not had a cold or anything for quite a while but, I just noticed two lumps under the skin on the right side of neck below his ear. One is the size of a large pea and the other about double the first in size. They are both hard and fixed but, he does not complain about them being sore when I touch them. He is 23 lbs and maybe 31 inches tall (not completely sure on height) he eats fairly healthy and is active. He does complain almost every day of a sore tummy. And the only thing that I can think of that is out of the ordinary is a couple weeks ago we went camping and he got bit by an insect that left a nice sized welt. Maybe he is fighting something from that? Would like to know if lumps like that are normal in young children.
Thu, 29 May 2014
Report Abuse
General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi ! Good evening. I am Dr Shareef answering your query.

Most likely the lumps you have described are enlarged cervical lymph nodes. Of course in young children normal lymph nodes could be palpable. But these are usually mobile,firm, and not hard and fixed. Any inflammation due to the insect bite could be responsible in the enlargement of regional draining lymph nodes and again they will be mobile, and tender to touch. His tummy problem might be an independent entity and might not be related to these.

If I were your doctor, I would go for a thorough clinical examination of your child with special reference to the head and neck region including mouth, ear, and nose. If nothing is conclusive, I might consider a short course of emperical broad spectrum antibiotic for him. If no relief, and the swelling persists or increases, then I would not hesitate to advise for a FNAC (fine needle aspiration cytology) of the lumps to arrive at a tentative diagnosis for further management.


I hope this information would help you in discussing with your family physician/treating doctor in further management of child's problem. Please do not hesitate to ask in case of any further doubts.

Thanks for choosing health care magic to clear doubts on your health problems. Wishing you an early recovery. Dr Shareef.

I find this answer helpful
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
What Does A Lump On The Neck Indicate?

Hi ! Good evening. I am Dr Shareef answering your query. Most likely the lumps you have described are enlarged cervical lymph nodes. Of course in young children normal lymph nodes could be palpable. But these are usually mobile,firm, and not hard and fixed. Any inflammation due to the insect bite could be responsible in the enlargement of regional draining lymph nodes and again they will be mobile, and tender to touch. His tummy problem might be an independent entity and might not be related to these. If I were your doctor, I would go for a thorough clinical examination of your child with special reference to the head and neck region including mouth, ear, and nose. If nothing is conclusive, I might consider a short course of emperical broad spectrum antibiotic for him. If no relief, and the swelling persists or increases, then I would not hesitate to advise for a FNAC (fine needle aspiration cytology) of the lumps to arrive at a tentative diagnosis for further management. I hope this information would help you in discussing with your family physician/treating doctor in further management of child s problem. Please do not hesitate to ask in case of any further doubts. Thanks for choosing health care magic to clear doubts on your health problems. Wishing you an early recovery. Dr Shareef.