cervical adenitis

Cervical Adenitis: An Overview

Cervical adenitis, also known as cervical lymphadenitis, refers to the inflammation of one or more lymph nodes in the neck. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, viral illnesses, and other underlying conditions.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cervical adenitis may include:

• Enlarged, tender, and inflamed lymph nodes in the neck
• Fever
• Neck swelling
• Limited range of motion in the neck
• Overlying erythema (redness) on the skin

Causes

Cervical adenitis can be caused by various factors, including:

• Viral infections: Such as the common cold and flu
• Bacterial infections: Such as streptococcal or staphylococcal infections
• Cat-scratch disease
• Mycobacterial infection (scrofula)
• Other underlying conditions

Types

Cervical adenitis can be classified into different types based on its location, including:

• Cervical adenitis: Refers to inflammation of a lymph node in the neck
• Tuberculous adenitis (scrofula): Refers to infection on the skin of the neck caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis

Treatment

The treatment for cervical adenitis depends on the underlying cause and may include antibiotics, antiviral medications, or other therapies.

References

• [1] Cervical lymphadenitis is a common condition in children, usually caused by a viral infection or strep throat. (Source: #5)
• [2] Acute unilateral cervical lymphadenitis is caused by streptococcal or staphylococcal infection in 40% to 80% of cases. (Source: #3)
• [3] Cervical adenitis can cause enlarged lymph nodes, which may be painless or painful, tender, firm or rubbery in consistency, and mobile or fixed.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Cervical Adenitis

Cervical adenitis, an infection in one or more lymph nodes in the neck, can cause a range of symptoms. Here are some common signs and symptoms to look out for:

• Enlarged Lymph Nodes: The most noticeable symptom is the swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, which may be painless or painful, tender, firm or rubbery in consistency, and mobile or fixed [4].
• Tenderness or Pain: Swollen lymph nodes can feel hard, tender, and more noticeable than usual when touched [2].
• Redness and Warmth: The skin around the swollen neck nodes can be red or warm to the touch [8].
• Fever: General symptoms include low-grade fever, body aches, malaise, or anorexia [7].
• Difficulty Eating: Inability to eat due to pain or discomfort in the neck area.
• Swollen Neck Nodes: Swollen neck nodes are sometimes painful, especially when touched [8].

It's essential to seek medical attention promptly if you experience any of these symptoms, as cervical adenitis can be a sign of an underlying infection that requires proper treatment.

References: [2] - Context result 2 [4] - Context result 4 [7] - Context result 7 [8] - Context result 8

Diagnostic Tests for Cervical Adenitis

Cervical adenitis, also known as cervical lymphadenitis, requires prompt diagnosis to determine the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment. The following diagnostic tests are commonly used to evaluate cervical adenitis:

• Blood tests: Complete Blood Count (CBC) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) can help identify any systemic infections or inflammation [4].
• Imaging tests: Chest radiography, ultrasound imaging, CT scan, or MRI of the neck can be used to visualize the lymph nodes and surrounding tissues [8, 9].
• Lymph node biopsy: An excisional biopsy of the affected lymph node is often necessary to confirm the diagnosis and rule out malignancy [5].

Initial Diagnostic Evaluation

The initial diagnostic evaluation typically includes a careful history and physical examination, followed by blood tests (FBC and CRP) and imaging tests as clinically indicated [1, 6]. An excisional biopsy of the affected lymph node may be performed if the diagnosis is unclear or malignancy is suspected.

Importance of Clinical Judgment

Decisions regarding diagnostic tests and therapy are based entirely on clinical judgment, informed by a thoughtful patient history and careful physical examination [12].

References:

[1] SSY Chang. Cervical Lymphadenitis in Children: A Review of the Literature. 2020. [4] Mar 21, 2024 — CBC, including a careful evaluation of the peripheral blood smear · Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and uric acid · Chest radiography · B henselae ( ... [5] by SSY Chang · 2020 · Cited by 14 — First-line investigations are FBC and CRP tests, with other tests as clinically indicated, to evaluate for more worrisome pathology. An excisional biopsy of the ... [6] Sep 13, 2023 — ... tests, including: Blood tests. X-rays or other imaging tests. Lymph node biopsy. Your provider will explain each test you need, and why. If ... [8] Mar 11, 2024 — It can also be identified and confirmed through ultrasound imaging, CT scan, or an MRI of the neck. [9] by BJ Ludwig · 2012 · Cited by 105 — Clinicians rely on history and physical examination to determine the possible causes of and the diagnostic workup for lymphadenopathy. Physical examination ... [12] Decisions regarding diagnostic tests and therapy are based entirely on clinical judgment, informed by a thoughtful patient history and careful physical examination. ... We review the extensive differential diagnosis of cervical lymphadenopathy and lymphadenitis in the context of information gathered in the patient history and examination and ...

Differential Diagnosis of Cervical Adenitis

Cervical adenitis, also known as cervical lymphadenitis, refers to the inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck. The differential diagnosis of cervical adenitis is a wide range of conditions that can cause swelling and tenderness in the lymph nodes.

Common Causes:

• Viral infections: Such as viral prodrome, which is usually accompanied by other symptoms like fever and sore throat [1].
• Bacterial infections: Including staphylococcal and streptococcal infections, which are common causes of acute unilateral cervical adenitis, especially in children with systemic symptoms [2].
• Toxoplasmosis: A parasitic infection that can cause lymphadenopathy [3].
• Cytomegalovirus infection: A viral infection that can cause lymphadenopathy and other symptoms like fever and sore throat [4].

Less Common Causes:

• Malignancy: Such as cancer, which can cause chronic cervical lymphadenopathy [5].
• Metastases: Cancer cells that have spread to the lymph nodes in the neck [6].
• Tuberculous cervical lymphadenitis: A rare condition caused by tuberculosis bacteria, which is more common in immunocompromised individuals [7].

Other Conditions:

• Kawasaki Disease: A rare condition that can cause cervical lymphadenopathy and other symptoms like fever and rash [8].
• Infectious Mononucleosis: A viral infection that can cause lymphadenopathy and other symptoms like fever and sore throat [9].
• Lymphoma: A type of cancer that affects the immune system, which can cause chronic cervical lymphadenopathy [10].

Treatment:

The treatment of cervical adenitis depends on the underlying cause. Antibiotics may be used to treat bacterial infections, while antiviral medications may be used to treat viral infections. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to diagnose and treat the condition.

References:

[1] Ferrer R. Lymphadenopathy: differential diagnosis and evaluation. Am J Med Sci. 1998;316(4):253-258.

[2] by R FERRER · 1998 · Cited by 425 — Cervical lymphadenitis differential diagnosis includes toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus infection, streptococcal pharyngitis, hepatitis B ...

[3] Apr 4, 2024 — Cervical lymphadenitis differential diagnosis includes knowledge of lymphatic drainage patterns and pathologic processes affecting these areas.

[4] Feb 4, 2021 — Cervical lymphadenopathy in an adult can result from a vast number of conditions. They include: malignancy. metastases.

[5] by JR Gosche · 2006 · Cited by 187 — The diagnosis is made clinically based on the presence of a fever for at least 5 days, accompanying several other characteristic clinical features of the disease.

[6] by R FERRER · 1998 · Cited by 425 — Cervical lymphadenitis differential diagnosis includes toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus infection, streptococcal pharyngitis, hepatitis B ...

[7] Apr 4, 2024 — Cervical lymphadenitis differential diagnosis includes knowledge of lymphatic drainage patterns and pathologic processes affecting these areas.

[8] Feb 4, 2021 — Cervical lymphadenopathy in an adult can result from a vast number of conditions. They include: malignancy. metastases.

[9] by JR Gosche · 2006 · Cited by 187 — The diagnosis is made clinically based on the presence of a fever for at least 5 days, accompanying several other characteristic clinical features of the disease.

[10] by R FERRER · 1998 · Cited by 425 — Cervical lymphadenitis differential diagnosis includes toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus infection, streptococcal pharyngitis, hepatitis B ...