Management of enlarged cervical lymph nodes

Abstract 

The child presenting with enlarged lymph nodes is a common problem in paediatric practice. The majority of enlarged lymph nodes are caused by a response to a benign local, or generalised infection, very few are due to more serious conditions which include malignancy. This article aims to provide a simple and pragmatic approach ‘based on careful clinical history and examination’ to elucidate the aetiology in the majority of cases and aid clinicians to identify which features are worrying and warrant prompt investigation.

Keywords:  Lymphadenopathy, Lymphadenitis, Lymph node, Child