Watch Out for Signs of Lymph Node Enlargement in Children!

If the child is going through a recent bout of the flu, a cold, or a throat infection, the swelling of the glands indicates that the immune system is working correctly (fighting the microbe). Innocent glands are generally smaller than 1-2 cm, hurt slightly when touched, move softly (glide) under the skin, and spontaneously shrink a few weeks after the infection has passed.

1. If the gland's size exceeds 2 centimeters and does not shrink at all for weeks (4-6 weeks) despite the use of antibiotics. 2. If it does not cause pain when touched, but is very hard like rubber/stone, and feels matted together as if it has taken root (immobile). 3. If it has appeared just above the collarbone (supraclavicular) (this area is always risky). 4. If the child has accompanying unexplained night sweats, weight loss, and a persistent fever (lasting more than 1 month), this situation must be urgently examined by a Pediatric Oncology or Hematology specialist.

First, a detailed blood count (Peripheral Smear) and a harmless "Ultrasound" to understand whether the inside of the gland is liquid or solid are requested. If suspicious findings (structural deterioration) are seen on the ultrasound, a Pathological Biopsy is performed for a definitive diagnosis by either inserting a needle into the gland or removing a portion of the gland with a minor surgery.