Paeds neck lumps

Question 1

How would you differentiate between reactive lymphadenitis vs systemic infection such as EBV?

Answer 1

Reactive lymphadenitis - usually only one lymph node, plus reactive lymphocytes seen on blood film
Systemic - usually more than one lymph node (aka generalised lymphadenopathy), atypical lymphocytes

Question 2

If ti moves with swallowing, what are the possible differentials?

Answer 2

Goitre
Thyroglossal cyst

Question 3

What is a thyroglossal cyst?

Answer 3

Where fluid fills in the duct where the thyroid migrates from the back of the tongue to just below the thyroid cartilage before birth.

Question 4

How do you differentiate between a goitre and a thyroglossal cyst?

Answer 4

Thyroglossal cyst moves when the tongue is protruded
Goitre moves with swallowing