Neck Condition (Lymph node enlargement)

What is lymph node enlargement?

-The majority of neck nodes in children are benign
-The majority of neck nodes in adults are malignant
-Neck nodes may be involved secondarily in an infection of any part of the ENT system.

Infective lymphadenopathy
This secondary lymphadenopathy is extremely common in children. An example is jugulo-digastric node enlargement during or following tonsillitis. A single node or a group of nodes may be enlarged. There may be tenderness and symptoms related to the primary infection.

Specific infections presenting with lymph node enlargement (priamary lymphadenopathy) include:
- Glandular fever
- TB
- Toxoplasmosis
- Brucellosis
- Cat- scratch fever
- HIV
The diagnosis in these cases will often be made following the appropriate screening blood test and CXR. FNAC and even excision biopsy may be needed to exclude malignancy