A 9 year old boy presents to the clinic with a neck mass. It was noticed by a parent 2 days ago and remarked it has not changed in size.
The child has felt warm. There have been no sick contacts. His immunizations are up to date. The child has been growing well.
Past Medical History: The child has a history of mild asthma.
Family History: positive for Crohn's disease in the father.
On examination the child appears tired. There is a unilateral 3 cm mass located in the right anterior cervical chain. The mass is not warm, exquisitely tender, soft and fixed. The overlying skin is mildly red.
This child most likely has cervical adenitis due to the acute history, increased temperature (on monitor), signs of inflammation on physical exam. Cervical adenitis should be treated with antibiotics.
Friedmann AM. Evaluation and Management of Lymphadenopathy in Children. Pediatrics in Review 2008; 29: 53-60.
Nice comprehensive review.
Register and get your content customized to you.
