cervical lymphadenopathy

Question 1

what is it?

Answer 1

Cervical lymphadenopathy refers to lymphadenopathy of the cervical lymph nodes. Its a term often used to describe the enlargement of the lymph nodes.

Question 2

what are the possible causes?

Answer 2

• Genersally Secondary to Upper respiratory tract infection.
• Glandular fever
• HIV
• Hepatitis
• lymphoma
• TB
• Metastatic disease

Question 3

what are the symptoms of cervical lymphadenopathy?

Answer 3

may present with a variety of symptoms depending on the underlying cause of the lump e.g

• Prolonged tenderness and pain
• Continual swelling for more than a week
• Fever
• Weight loss
• May be asymptomatic

Question 4

how is cervical lymphadenopathy managed?

Answer 4

• Supportive treatment : rest and pain management e.g paracetamol and ibuprofen.
• If URTI is suspected as the underlying cause, can treat with antibiotics e.g amoxicillin 500 mg 3x day for 5-7 days
• Admit immediately if signs of stridor, superior vena cava obstruction or dysphagia to liquids and solids with signs of aspiration

Question 5

when should a patient be refered?

Answer 5

• advise medical review if the person becomes systemically unwell, or the swelling persists or has grown after 7 days as may be indicative of non-infective swelling or abscess formation)
• if its >2cm and not improving
• Node persists for >6 weeks
• Rapidly enlarging
• Any sinister underlying pathology suspected e.g TB and HIV
• Any significant systemic symptoms or signs e.g hepatomegaly and splenomegaly