I've noticed small like pea size lumps but the lumps don't stick out just look small swollen bumps on my sons neck...

This is definitely something that needs prompt evaluation by a healthcare provider. Let me help you understand what these could represent and what diagnostic steps typically follow.

What Swollen Lumps in the Neck Can Mean

Small, pea-sized swollen bumps in the neck are often lymph nodes (small bean-shaped structures that are part of the immune system). Lymph nodes can swell for many reasons:

• Common causes: Infections (like strep throat, ear infections, or viral illnesses)
• Less common causes: Lymphoma or other blood cancers

According to NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Hodgkin Lymphoma, lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system that helps fight infection. They normally can't be seen or felt, but they can swell due to infections, inflammation, or—in some cases—cancer.

How Doctors Diagnose Lymph Node Problems

The diagnostic approach typically involves both blood work AND biopsy, depending on what initial tests show:

Step 1 - Initial Evaluation:

• Physical examination by your pediatrician or specialist
• Blood tests (complete blood count and other labs)
• Imaging (ultrasound or CT scan) to see the size and characteristics of the lumps

Step 2 - If Needed, Biopsy: According to NCCN Guidelines for Patients: Follicular Lymphoma, if lymph nodes are concerning, a biopsy may be performed using:

• Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) - uses a thin needle to remove a small sample
• Core biopsy - uses a slightly larger needle
• Excisional biopsy - removes the entire lymph node

A core or excisional biopsy are preferred because they provide the most complete information.

Important Next Steps

Please schedule an appointment with your son's pediatrician right away. They can:

1. Examine the lumps and assess their characteristics
2. Order appropriate blood work
3. Determine if imaging or biopsy is needed
4. Refer to a specialist (pediatric oncologist or hematologist) if indicated

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

1. How large are these lymph nodes, and are they tender or firm?
2. What blood tests do you recommend as a first step?
3. Do you recommend imaging (ultrasound or CT) to evaluate these further?
4. If imaging shows concerning features, what would the next step be?
5. Should we see a pediatric specialist, and if so, which type?

Regarding the Webinar You Asked About

I noticed you mentioned looking for a specific webinar about lumps. While I have access to educational webinars in my resources, the one that came up is "A Rogue Cancer Patient Gets Better Outcomes" by Ari Akerstein [#109] from CancerPatientLab Webinars. This webinar discusses one patient's personal journey with large B-cell lymphoma (an aggressive blood cancer) and his approach to engaged patient decision-making. However, this focuses on an adult's experience rather than pediatric presentation.

For pediatric-specific information, I'd recommend asking your son's doctor for resources from:

• American Cancer Society - has pediatric lymphoma information
• National Cancer Institute (NCI) - pediatric cancer resources
• Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - has excellent patient education materials

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This information is for educational purposes only. Always consult your healthcare team for personalized medical advice and decisions. Your son's symptoms need prompt professional evaluation to determine the cause and appropriate next steps.