Hi, Thanks for writing in. Lumps on sides of neck in children are usually due to swollen lymph nodes caused by lice and are harmless. When scratched with finger nails, they become infected and painful. Swellings can also occur in other infections like tuberculosis and sore throat. Rarely lymph nodal swelling may occur due to diseases like lymphoma and cancer. If the swelling decreases on taking antibiotics, it is most likely infective. If it persists, your doctor is right in doing a FNAC/ biopsy to confirm diagnosis. It will only be a needle prick test and please do not worry. Mean while you should get concerned if there is significant weight loss, continuous low grade fever and swelling in other parts of the body. This may indicate something serious. If these features are not there, there is no need to worry. You must however completely evaluate the swelling and take proper treatment at the earliest. Hope this helps