Lymphadenopathy in Children, Lymph Node Enlargement: When Should You Be Concerned?
Lymph nodes are an important part of our body’s defense system and play a key role in protecting against infections. In children, small lumps felt in the neck, armpits, and groin areas are often caused by infections and are usually harmless. However, in the differential diagnosis, leukemia and lymph node-originating cancers (lymphoma) can also present with lymph node enlargement. While this condition is often benign, it can be a concerning issue for parents. In some cases, consulting a Pediatric Hematology-Oncology specialist may be necessary.
Why Do Lymph Nodes Swell?
Lymph nodes in children can enlarge due to various reasons:
Infections: Common illnesses like upper respiratory infections, viruses causing infectious mononucleosis such as EBV-CMV, tonsillitis, and gum infections.
Immune System Diseases: Conditions affecting the immune system, such as rheumatic diseases or congenital immune deficiency syndromes.
Cancer and Other Serious Diseases: Although rare, lymphoma, leukemia, and other oncological diseases can also cause lymph node enlargement.
When Should You See a Doctor?
If the lymph node is larger than 2 cm and continues to grow.
If it feels hard like a stone and is not movable, unlike rubbery or soft.
If it is fixed to the skin and cannot be moved.
If it has been persisting for weeks and keeps growing.
If your child has symptoms like night sweats, weight loss, or prolonged fever.
If there is asymmetry in the tonsils.
As parents, if your child exhibits one or more of the above symptoms, you should consult a Pediatric Hematology-Oncology specialist without delay for early diagnosis. In our office, your child’s health will be thoroughly evaluated, and necessary tests for diagnosis and treatment will be conducted.
Lymphadenopathy in children
Lymphadenopathy in Children, Lymph Node Enlargement: When Should You Be Concerned?
Lymph nodes are an important part of our body’s defense system and play a key role in protecting against infections. In children, small lumps felt in the neck, armpits, and groin areas are often caused by infections and are usually harmless. However, in the differential diagnosis, leukemia and lymph node-originating cancers (lymphoma) can also present with lymph node enlargement. While this condition is often benign, it can be a concerning issue for parents. In some cases, consulting a Pediatric Hematology-Oncology specialist may be necessary.
Why Do Lymph Nodes Swell?
Lymph nodes in children can enlarge due to various reasons:
When Should You See a Doctor?
As parents, if your child exhibits one or more of the above symptoms, you should consult a Pediatric Hematology-Oncology specialist without delay for early diagnosis. In our office, your child’s health will be thoroughly evaluated, and necessary tests for diagnosis and treatment will be conducted.
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