Swollen lymph nodes in dd's neck??

[Scrapper007]

I took my 8 year-old dd to the doctor this morning to have a lump removed from her shoulder area. I had taken her to her pediatrician a few months ago and he didn't think it was anything to be concerned about but referred us to a surgeon, who also didn't think it was concerning. I sought a third opinion (I know..neurotic much?).. but I am a real worrywart, especially having gone through cancer a couple of years ago..every lump and bump scares me.

This doctor removed it and sent it out for biopsy. I asked him if he could kind of tell what it is just by looking at it and he said it looked like a lymph node. The first two doctors has brought up this possibility but then said it would be considered an unusual area for a lymph node. Fast forward to the end of the appt. today and the doctor said that my dd has two swollen lymph nodes in her neck. I asked him if I should be worried, and he said (with a smile), "knowing you, you will be." So now not only do I have to wait for the biopsy results, I'm worried about these "new on the scene" lymph nodes.

Any idea what this could be caused by? She hasn't really been sick lately..although she did have a "touch" of a cold (lasted a day) about two weeks ago. She has also had a cough for a while..her pediatrician said it's most likely croup, and the doctor today said he noticed some dark shadowing under her eyes which he said he sees a lot in patients with allergies.

How do I not worry about this?

[mariewilcox]

You will worry, but I just wanted to let you know that my DS always got swollen lymph nodes in his neck just behind his ears when his spring allergies kicked in - and he would get a cough and allergic shiners (dark circles under the eyes). We'd start his allergy meds for a month or so and all 3 symptoms would go away. I'll be thinking positive thoughts for you and your DD.

[nikkiARNGwife]

I know it's hard not to worry..but swollen lymph nodes are very common. When I was in college I got very sick with a virus and was in the hospital for a week..the lymph nodes in my neck swelled to the size of golf balls. One never did go back down all the way (its about the size of a pea now) and I can still feel it in my neck..sometimes it swells a little when I have a bug or something.

Last summer I had one pop up big and sore on the back of my head (I didn't even know there were lymph nodes on the head) and I freaked and went to the doctor..he said it was a lymph node, it was fine and the littlest things sometimes (even a pimple) can make them swell.

[MamaBee]

{{hugs}} it's our jobs as mothers to worry... but like Marie and Nikki mentioned, it's common... there are lymph nodes all over the place and even though she hasn't been out right sick, she could have been still fighting something.

[nesser1981]

I had an enlarged lymph node removed from my neck, it was nothing, but I didn't want it there. My dad was very prone to them as well, even on his face.

[Keely~B]

I'm a worrier too but I'll agree with the others, it is common and can be caused by a multitude of things that aren't horrible. I'll be thinking of you two, I know the waiting is so hard.

[AmyG]

I'm another of the peeps who gets swollen nodes during allergy season. Humid days after a rain-like today-will make them worse and I also get ear pain. Hang in there and hugs.

[kim21673]

((Hugs)) I don't know much about swollen lymph nodes but do know it's a mom's job to always worry and that will never stop, even after the doctors tell us not to worry!!!! I'm praying for good results...hang in there!!!