6 yr old lump in neck

[dkb]

my 6 yr old granddaughter has a hard lump in her neck above where an adam's apple would be. Dr. gave medication and if no improvement in 5-7 days to get her back in there. He also mentioned leukemia and lymphoma in this appointment. What did he see that would cause him to indicate these serious diseases?

[Maria RN]

Maybe the lumps were actually swollen lymph nodes. The possible underlying causes of swollen lymph nodes can range from be anything mild like respiratory infection to serious health conditions such as certain cancers like leukemia and lymphoma. Your doctor simply stated medical facts.

[dkb]

I can understand that a doctor can provide medical facts based on a generalized basis. If he thought there was a need to bring up the cancer possibility then why didn't he pursue blood tests, feel her spleen, etc? The blood work would have shown an elevation in white blood cells due to an infection but it would have shown the blasts as well. What is more disconcerting about all of this is my husband, her grandfather, had leukemia and had a stem cell transplant. My husband's sister died of melanoma, his mom had breast cancer, aunt died of cancer and he has a cousin that has lymphoma. This is not the type of off the cuff information he should throw out since we are so atune to cancer issues. We are all sitting here holding our breaths that it's not a cancer issue. Based on this examination, this child, it seems cruel to mention it if there are no facts to support it.

[Maria RN]

I am sorry, but I really don't have a clue why your doctor did not immediately perform tests to confirm cancer, he should have a very good reason for that. I hope you could ask him about his decision on your next visit. I know how difficult it is to see a relative experiencing pain or anything that is not normal. I hope that your granddaughter's condition improves soon.