Cervical Lymphadenopathy

Introduction

It is the enlargement of the lymphnodes situated in the neck. The lymph nodes that may be involved are : -

Deep Lymph Nodes

1. Submental

2. Submandibular (Submaxillary)

Anterior Cervical Lymph Nodes (Deep)

3. Prelaryngeal

4. Thyroid

5. Pretracheal

6. Paratracheal

Deep Cervical Lymph Nodes

7. Lateral jugular

8. Anterior jugular

9. Jugulodigastric

Inferior Deep Cervical Lymph Nodes

10. Juguloomohyoid

11. Supraclavicular (scalene)

Causes

Autoimmune diseases

Borreliosis - An infectious bacterial disorder that is transmitted by ticks and causes skin rashes joint swelling and other symptoms similar to the flu...

Cat scratch disease - An infectious disease transmitted through a cat's bite, scratch or lick and resulting primarily in lymph node pain and swelling.

Diphtheria

Hodgkin's Disease

Lymphoma

Metastatic cancer

Mycobacterium scrofulaceum

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Pharyngitis

Laryngitis

Salivary gland cancer

Tongue Cancer

Tonsilitis

Toxoplasmosis

Tuberculosis

Tularemia

Upper Respiratory Infection

Any type of infection of the upper respiratory tract.

Infectious Mononucleosis

Parts to be examined

When there is cervical lymphadenopathy examine

scalp

nose

throat

posterior third of tongue - can only be palpated initially - cannot be seen without a laryngeal mirror

ear

stomach (virchow's nodes)

liver

spleen

Investigations

Hb, TC, DC, ESR

HIV

VDRL

X-ray Chest

USGM of abdomen

CT scan of the Chest or abdomen if needed

Lymph node biopsy