Cervical lymphadenopathy
Cervical lymphadenopathy is the swelling of the lymph nodes, regardless of the cause, located in the neck area.
What are lymph nodes?
Lymph nodes are organs of the immune system that provide protection against microorganisms. Lymph nodes are located throughout the body. The neck contains specific groups of lymph nodes.
These are usually small and imperceptible. Any inflammatory cause or neoplasia can cause lymph node swelling, which is immediately noticeable upon palpation. Swollen lymph nodes, depending on the condition, may have a soft or hard consistency, be mobile or fixed, and may be painful or painless.
What are the causes of swollen cervical lymph nodes?
- Any acute infection in the nasopharynx, tonsils, oropharynx, larynx, ears, salivary glands and scalp.
- Infectious mononucleosis
- Tooth inflammation
- Bronchitis
- Chronic infections
- Autoimmune diseases
- Lymphomas and leukemias
- Head and neck cancers
- Metastasis
- Metabolic disorders (Gaucher disease, Niemann-Pick disease)
How is cervical lymphadenopathy diagnosed?
Palpation: during the clinical examination and palpation of the lymph nodes, the affected group, their composition and mobility are identified.
Clinical examination/endoscopy of the nose-nasopharynx-larynx: performed in the office with a flexible or rigid rhinolaryngoscope.
Ultrasound: the size, composition, shape and location of the lymph nodes are studied.
CT or MRI scan: provides the same information as ultrasound. However, this examination is superior in terms of imaging and diagnostic accuracy.
Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAC): cells are taken and studied from the suspicious lymph node. This can be done with the help of ultrasound for greater accuracy.
Cervical lymph node biopsy: is the examination with the greatest diagnostic accuracy.
How is an open cervical lymph node biopsy performed?
In some cases, general anesthesia is required to take the biopsy. In cases where malignancy is suspected, removal of the entire lymph node is recommended. This allows the pathologist to perform a better and more accurate study.
The patient is discharged the same day, while the stitches are removed on the 7th postoperative day.
How is cervical lymphadenopathy treated?
Cervical lymphadenopathy is treated depending on the underlying cause. In most cases, it is not necessary to administer treatment, especially if the cause of the swelling is viral. In some cases, we administer antibiotics and/or anti-inflammatories. In autoimmune diseases, cortisone or anti-inflammatory drugs are required.
If cervical lymphadenopathy is associated with malignancy, the treatment is done with the help of an oncologist (chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy).