Cervical lymphadenopathy

Swollen lymph node in the neck due to tick attached behind ear

Cervical lymphadenopathy refers to lymphadenopathy of the cervical lymph nodes (the glands in the neck). The term lymphadenopathy strictly speaking refers to disease of the lymph nodes,[1] though it is often used to describe the enlargement of the lymph nodes. Similarly, the term lymphadenitis refers to inflammation of a lymph node, but often it is used as a synonym of lymphadenopathy.

Cervical lymphadenopathy is a sign or a symptom, not a diagnosis. The causes are varied, and may be inflammatory, degenerative, or neoplastic.[2] In adults, healthy lymph nodes can be palpable (able to be felt), in the axilla, neck and groin.[3] In children up to the age of 12 cervical nodes up to 1 cm in size may be palpable and this may not signify any disease.[4] If nodes heal by resolution or scarring after being inflamed, they may remain palpable thereafter.[1] In children, most palpable cervical lymphadenopathy is reactive or infective. In individuals over the age of 50, metastatic enlargement from cancers (most commonly squamous cell carcinomas) of the aerodigestive tract should be considered.[1]

  1. ^ a b c Cite error: The named reference Kerawala 2010 was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Terézhalmy GT, Huber MA, Jones AC (2009). Physical evaluation in dental practice. Ames, Iowa: Wiley-Blackwell. pp. 120–23, 160, 172. ISBN 978-0-8138-2131-3.
  3. ^ Ferrer, Robert (1998-10-15). "Lymphadenopathy: Differential Diagnosis and Evaluation". American Family Physician. 58 (6): 1313–20. PMID 9803196.
  4. ^ Hupp JR, Ellis E, Tucker MR (2008). Contemporary oral and maxillofacial surgery (5th ed.). St. Louis, Mo.: Mosby Elsevier. pp. 428–30. ISBN 9780323049030.