enlarged lymph node over 5 months

My 9 yr old son has had enlarged lymph node in front of his ear for over 5 months. At first doctors thought was dental abcess (abscess), but teeth were pulled and the lymph node is getting larger. He has now been sent to an ENT, but he is not saying anything. He only said he needs a CAT scan to see if the paratid gland is involved. He has been on antibiotics until now, for 4 months and nothing is working. He now has pain in both ears, the lymph node, his jaw, and his neck lymph nodes are enlarged. I am trying to think positive, but what could this be? Even if bad??

[Kassimom]

HHmmmm....I have never heard of anything like that. Have you taken him to a second dr? Not just the ENT, but a second pedi? Sometimes a fresh opinion on things can really help. I know ins may be a pain and may not cover getting a second opinion, but I would do what I could to get it if you can.

Sorry I can't be of more help, maybe someone else here can.

[Angel4JohnnyB]

I sure wish I could help you out but I'm afraid I can't. I just wanted to let you know that you may not get many replies if no one has an answer for you.
My son had swollen lymph nodes when he was about 5 but they didn't swell much, not even enough to see them, I just happen to feel them one day. I asked the dr. and he said not to worry......the swelling went away and he has been fine ever since, he never had any kind of pain with them and his dr. never seemed conserned.

I'm so sorry you are going through this, having a child in pain is so hard to cope with especially when there seems to be nothing you can do to make him feel better.
I would try for a second opinion if your insurance will cover it.......(after you get the results from the frist dr. that is)
Sorry I can't be helpful!!!!!! Just know I'll be thinking of you and wishing you and your son the best.
Good Luck.
Hugs,
Vikki

[ourbabydreams]

I am sorry that your little guy is hurting. Like the pp said it could be a lot of things. My friend's little boy is only a year old and his ears were really bothering him. I am not sure if his lymph nodes were swollen or not but they have found that they need to put tubes in his ears. I pray that he feels better soon.

Christine

[kirsten00]

That is so rough, I hate not knowing.  I would be a little more persistent with the ENT, tell him not saying anything is not an option.  Tell him to give you some for instances or possibilities and if you don't feel comfortable with the doctor, change, get another opinion, sometimes there are just uncaring apathetic doctors, but at the very least I would demand some info from him and a going forward plan.  In my opinion, five months is too long for them to just wonder.  

My thoughts and prayers are with you - Kirsten...