Cervical Lymphadenopathy In Children

A common condition in children, cervical lymphadenopathy is the enlargement of the lymph nodes located in the neck region and is usually secondary to a viral or bacterial infection.

What Causes Cervical Lymphadenopathy?

Cervical lymphadenopathy can occur after a viral or a bacterial infection. The most common causative bacteria are Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. The infection commonly enters through the mouth, scalp, or skin infection. Many conditions can cause the swelling of the lymph nodes, this includes:

• Common cold
• Ear infection
• Scalp infection
• Strep throat
• Bronchitis
• Tonsillitis
  

What Are the Symptoms of Cervical Lymphadenopathy?

• Fever
• Weight loss
• Swelling in the neck that lasts longer than a week
• Frequent feeling of pain in the swelling
  

What Is the Treatment for Cervical Lymphadenopathy?

A wide array of antibiotics and antivirals are used to treat cervical lymphadenopathy, and patients are advised to get adequate rest.

However, if the lymph nodes are swelling due to a cancer, then the treatment would involve:

• Biopsy of the swollen lymph node
• Surgery
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy