daughter's lump on chest

worriedmom69 · New User Joined: 15 Nov 2007 Posts: 4

Hi! My 12 year old daughter has a lump on her chest that is about 1 1/2 in. long and 1 in. wide, just below her clavicle, closer to where it joins her sternum than her shoulder. It is firm (but not hard) and immoveable. She has a little discomfort when it is pressed on, but otherwise no pain. She has had a CT scan and x-ray, which were negative for a mass or lymph node enlargement. She was just diagnosed with mono from bloodwork, but the only symptom she has had is tiredness when exercising, not general fatigue. Although the pediatrician thinks the lump is probably an enlarged lymph node due to the mono (but the radiologist said no enlargement???), he agrees that there is something very visible and palpable there, so she has an appt. with a pediatric surgeon. My question is: if the surgeon blows us off and thinks the lump is just due to mono, should I insist on a biopsy or just wait and see if it goes away? I have been reading way too much on the computer, and from what I can tell, that is not a normal place to have a lymph node enlargement with mono (if it even is a lymph node), and lumps in the chest are generally not a good sign. Any advice? Thank

worriedmom69 · New User Joined: 15 Nov 2007 Posts: 4

Oops I just noticed the childhood cancer forum - maybe I should have posted there about my 12 year old - will do so when I have time, but still appreciate any comments here.

brainman · Posted: Thu Nov 15, 2007 3:32 pm Post subject: Re: daughter's lump on chest

Hi worriedmom69, my heart goes out to you and to your daughter. I truly hope that lump is not a cancer. You have already done the right thing by having it checked be a doctor. The surgeon should at lest do a needle biopsy of the lump. Since it is so near the surface, it should be a relatively simple procedure. If the surgeon blows you off either insist on a biopsy or ask for a second opinion. If I read what you wrote correctly, the radiologist did not find an enlarged lymph node so it has to be something else.

I did move your topic to the childhood cancer forum but I left a link to this topic on the lymphoma forum so that members who participate in both can reply.

You and your daughter are in my thoughts and prayers. Keep us informed.
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weston · Regular Joined: 23 Nov 2005 Posts: 20

It has been a while since I posted. The FNA came back with "enlarged lymph node probably due to virus" it took me a long time to get the results from the hospital and they could not be any more specific. It was at that point that I thought I would be best for me to put it all behind me. Then in October 06 I started coughing up blood - remember I was only 27 at the time. I went to the doctors and my lymphocytes were 18.5 (raised) had a chest x ray which showed some "patchy inflammation on the base on my left lung" sputum test showed Pneumonia. Got that cleared up with antibiotics and relapsed in January 07.

Since that point I had already chosen to put everything behind me so that’s where I stand today. The doctor told me I was fine and I had no option but to believe him. I must say that I do have a thought about it daily and because of everything I have read about FNA I would definitely have an excisional biopsy - definitive answer!!

Obviously, mono can be in your body before you actually start showing symptoms and it is possible that the lymph node had picked up on this and was doing its job before you even knew your daughter felt unwell. However, if you are in any doubt whatsoever, at the very least get an FNA.

I hope your child is fine but please get a second opinion if necessary. I too have a child, 7, and I can only guess how you feel. Children are precious to take chances with. I was fortunate and I hope your child is to. Collar bone nodes are always worrisome, don’t let it drop until you are comfortable that they have done the right test and you’re happy with the response.

I am sorry I can’t be of any more help. Please keep the board posted on your progress as the information provided on these boards is at times a life line to the readers. Those people looking for information, hope, truth and honesty.

I will check back and look for good news from you

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