6 yr old with swollen lymph node for greater than 1.5 years

[Kathryn888]

My son has had a swollen lymph node on the left side of his neck for almost 2 years.  He is now 6 and a half . The lymph nodes have not changes in size since they were first discovered. It was discovered after a bad throat infection.

Our Dr. did an ultrasound and the results said that it was a "reactive lymph node".  The ultrasound said the lymph node was 3 cm by 1.4 cm. (The lymph node on the right side is slightly enlarged - smaller than the left side) Our Dr. has done blood work a few times in the past 2 years and the results all came back normal each time.

We were sent to a surgeon (twice) at our local children's hospital and the Dr. said they felt like normal reactive lymph nodes and that he did not feel that there was anything "sinister" going on and that he did not feel a biopsy was warranted (both times). The surgeon said that the lymph node could remain swollen for years, that this happens sometimes, especially in kids who repeatedly coming in contact with new viruses at daycare and school.

When my son was younger (ages 1 to 4) he did have repeat ear infections (probably close to 8), as well as throat infections and many colds. Since being in daycare and school for many years he does not get sick very often anymore. He has a ton of energy and is growing like a weed.

He has had 2  sets of x-rays of his sinuses and adenoids (adenoids). The first set showed a possible low grade chronic sinus infection in which he was placed on antibiotics for 3 weeks. The second set of xrays were normal.

Thanks.

[Myown]

i don't know really, BUT it is true that viruses can cause this. i have been told that the thing they watch for is if it changes in size.

maybe get another doctors opinion just to put you mind to rest?

good luck.