Swollen Lymph Node - Saginaw,MI

Most likely if it's been there for a long time, it's just that, a lymph node that's swollen. But I can understand why your mom is concerned. I had thyroid cancer, and the first thing I noticed was a lymph node that had swollen up with an infection and then didn't go away after multiple types of antibiotics. One specialist that I saw thought it was a brachial cleft cyst, which is apparently fairly common. He explained that they tend to be there, worsen with illness, then usually go away, until one time they just don't go away. So that could be what it is. The symptoms your doctor has you watching for sound thyroid related (tiredness, etc.)
I think that the only other way to test to see what it is would be a needle biopsy...probably not what you would want your daughter to go through. Maybe a CT scan or an ultrasound may help, but those aren't very conclusive.
Good luck!
D.

Your mom certainly would be oversensitive to this whole thing. The important thing is what is "normal" for your daughter's lymph node. You are doing the right thing by monitoring it and communicating with doc about it. Lymph nodes, when doing their job do swell up as you have already seen. I have one in my jaw that is always there, I can feel it and move it around a bit. If I am getting a cold or something it does get to be about the size of a marble. I have had this going on now since I was about 12....I am 56 now. Maybe it would help your mom if next time you have it checked that she go with you to the doc. Lymph nodes swell for lots of reasons, most of which are not fatal. Keep up the good work, monitoring and chatting w/ doc. I hope this helps!

no one ever told us when we thought of having children how much we would worry! i am constantly worrying about my 3 little boys-does this mean that -i wish that i could relax and just enjoy that i have 3 healthy little munchkins. but to your question-my six year old has the same issues. he just looks at someone the wrong way and his lymph nodes enlarge. the doctor also told me not to worry, it is just the way his body reacts-he has poor drainage and this is what happens. my husband also gets enlarged lymph nodes-not as much as my six year old-but the doctor also indicated that it can be inherited. she also said to give him zyrtec when symptoms come on and that the nodes can take months to go down. i totally understand your worry though and it seems that our mothers don't always help in this department-they seem to make us second guess ourselves in regards to our children's health. but try and take a deep breath, trust in your doctor to some degree and just keep your eyes open for signs of something else. hope this helped a bit knowing that you are not alone in your worries:)

Just because of your family history, I would seek a second opinion. Your mom will probably be relieved! :)

I can't answer your question, but it would not hurt to see a specialist. If for no other reason, peace of mind.

Just so you know I had swollen glands for years. I finally figured out it was every time I got a scratch or blemish on my scalp. I figured this out when I switched shampoos and my scalp stopped breaking out regularly... and then the nodes calmed down.

Also, I sell nutrition/vitamins. Excellent ones. If I were you I'd be sure to put my daughter on top notch vitamins to build the immune system, avoid processed foods and eat organic when possible.