child with lump on her neck

[k8bailey]

I noticed this morning that my 3.5 year old daughter has a lump on her neck - right hand side, halfway beween ear and shoulder. It's about the size of a pea, moves around, feels soft and isn't painful. She isn't ill and I have no idea how long it's been there for.

Any ideas what this could be? How worried should I be?

[bundleone]

Maybe it's a swollen gland, but take her to the doctors and get it checked out.

[Philtaz]

I remember my daughter having the very same thing around the same age and as I work in a hospital I ask one of the ENT guys to have a look at her.

Turned out to be this:

http://en.wikipedia.o...i/Cat_scratch_disease

Not saying it is that of course, but hopefully it may put your mind at ease.
Obviously, if problems persist, seek further advice.

[k8bailey]

that was my first thought bundleone but now I'm worrying about other possibilities :(

Philtaz that sounds quite possible, a few weeks ago she had headaches, chills and a sore tummy and we do have two cats, one is only 8months old and he does sometimes scratch her.

[suagrtits]

i had the same thing a few weeks ago and was a little concerned about it, now completely gone. More than likely a swollen gland but keep a eye on it and if still concerned go and see your g.p xxx

[Philtaz]

Sounds more than plausible then, k8bailey.

If it puts you any more at ease, my daughter's lump disappeared within a few weeks and there was no medical intervention required whatsoever, not even medicines/antibiotics.

[Sqad]

I agree with all the above. certainly does not sound serious in any way.

Monitor the situation over the next 4-6 weeks.

Philtaz.......interesting........how was the diagnosis made.......biopsy?

[Philtaz]

No Sqad, just a manual examination by the Doc, an ENT Associate Specialist of some 35+ years experience. He'd even treated me as a child!

[Sqad]

philtaz...right....thanks.

[k8bailey]

thanks everyone, I'll keep an eye on her.