What are the odds of a swollen lymph node near the jawline in a two year old being malignant? The swelling has been present for months, is visible as swelling below the jawline. The child is seeing a specialist but I am wanting info to support the mother. A sonogram has just confirmed it is a lymph node.
Optional Information: Age: 2 years; Male, Texas Already Tried: sonogram <sp> confirm swelling is a lymph node. CBC normal, but I understand this is not unusual in children.
Hello,What is its size?Is there only one node or a group of them?Is it tender, red?
No tenderness or redness seen by me, on palpaption, the child, (my grandson) does not seem to be uncomfortable. The node moves freely, and seems to be isolated. I was not present at the sonogram so i am assuming only one node is involved, as the mother (my stepdaughter) would have most likely mentioned more than one being involved if that was the case. I am not sure on the size, but it feels to me like an enlongated almond, if thats any help.
Thank you for the information.Lymph node enlargement can occur from many causes.In most cases it is due to an infection.In other cases it can be from an autoimmune reaction, a cut , abrasion or skin disease or cancer.In some cases the source of infection may be small & may not be apparent.Lymph node enlargement in reaction to these can occur rapidly but it takes time to subside ,may take months.When the lymph node continues to enlarge or other groups occur , then it is a matter of more concern.However the diagnosis of cancer can only be made certain after a biopsy is made.You can read these links to have more information.http://www.chw.org/display/PPF/DocID/21520/router.asphttp://www.plateaupediatrics.com/lymphnodeinfo.htmlhttp://www.thechildrenshospital.org/wellness/info/parents/20543.aspxI hope this information will help. Please ask if you need any clarification. Best wishes.
Experience: 30 years experience as doctor