What Causes Swollen Lymph Nodes In The Neck Of A Child?

Posted on Tue, 23 May 2017

Question: Hello....this question pertains to my son, who is fifteen years old, 5'7, 126 pounds, and healthy with no medical issues. He has some visible lymph nodes on both sides of his neck which become more prominent when he turns his head to the side (his neck is quite thin). I took him to his pediatrician four months ago to have them checked out, and the doctor examined all of the lymph nodes on his body, and told me that these nodes were just slightly enlarged, benign and nothing to worry about. Last week I brought my son to the doctor again for his fifteen year checkup, and he was seen by a different doctor at the practice, who also examined the lymph nodes and said they were nothing to be concerned about. I was wondering if that is a common occurrence (my son has mild acne and wisdom teeth are erupting) and also looking for additional reassurances. Thank you!

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Does not look concerning

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone through your query carefully and understand your concerns.

Lymph node enlargement is sometimes observable in children and adolescents. It could occur due to minor viral or bacterial infections.

Since the lymph nodes are only mildly enlarged and unless your child has the complaint of frequent fevers or other complaints, there seems to be no cause for concern.

However, if the lymph nodes seem to enlarge in size, become painful, it would be worthwhile to get your child reevaluated.

Let me know if I could help further.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (26 minutes later)

Hi Dr. Das! Thank you so much for your reassuring answer. The nodes have remained the same in size, are not red or inflamed and are not painful. My sons pediatrician indicated that they could remain enlarged for quite awhile....do you agree that can be the case? Also, there are no other enlarged nodes in other locations on his body. The enlarged ones are behind his ear and on the side of his neck....he has acne on his face and his wisdom teeth are starting to come through....do you think that may be the cause?

Thank you again!!

Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
They can be there for a while

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back. Yes, your son's pediatrician has rightly suggested that the lymph nodes can be there for a while. The acne could be associated with bacterial infections and thus could be contributory. I am not certain if the wisdom tooth could have any association.

Feel free to write back.

Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy