Pediatric cervical lymphadenopathy

Tara L Rosenberg; Abby R Nolder

doi:10.1016/j.otc.2014.06.012

Pediatric cervical lymphadenopathy

Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2014 Oct;47(5):721-31. doi: 10.1016/j.otc.2014.06.012. Epub 2014 Jul 30.

Authors

Tara L Rosenberg¹, Abby R Nolder²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Arkansas Children's Hospital, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 1 Children's Way, Slot 836, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA.
² Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Arkansas Children's Hospital, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 1 Children's Way, Slot 836, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA. Electronic address: nolderabbyr@uams.edu.

PMID: 25213279
DOI: 10.1016/j.otc.2014.06.012

Abstract

This article provides an overview for evaluation and management of the pediatric patient with cervical lymphadenopathy. A thorough history and physical examination are crucial in developing a differential diagnosis for these patients. Although infectious causes of lymphadenopathy are more prevalent in the pediatric population compared with adults, neoplasms should also be considered. Judicious use of imaging studies, namely ultrasound, can provide valuable information for accurate diagnosis. Common and uncommon infectious causes of cervical lymphadenopathy are reviewed. Surgical intervention is occasionally necessary for diagnosis and treatment of infections, and rarely indicated for the possibility of malignancy. Indications for surgery are discussed.

Keywords: Cervical lymphadenopathy; Differential diagnosis; Infectious; Neck mass; Pediatric.

Publication types

Comparative Study
Review

MeSH terms

Adult
Age Factors
Biopsy, Fine-Needle / methods
Child
Child, Preschool
Diagnosis, Differential
Female
Humans
Incidence
Lymph Nodes / pathology*
Lymphadenitis / diagnosis*
Lymphadenitis / therapy
Lymphatic Diseases / diagnosis*
Lymphatic Diseases / epidemiology
Lymphatic Diseases / therapy
Male
Neck
Pediatrics
Physical Examination / methods
Risk Assessment