Cervical adenitis, also known as cervical lymphadenitis, corresponds to the inflammation of the lymph nodes located in the cervical region, that is, around the head and neck and is more common to be identified in children. Cervical lymphadenitis usually develops due to infections by viruses or bacteria, but it can also be a symptom of tumors, such as what happens in lymphoma, for example. Understand what lymphoma is and how to identify it.
This type of adenitis is identified by palpation on the neck by the doctor and association with the symptoms described by the person. It may also be necessary to perform diagnostic tests and, if a tumor is suspected, it may be necessary to perform a tissue biopsy to look for signs of malignancy. See what the biopsy is and what it is for.
Main symptoms
In addition to the symptoms related to the cause of the ganglion inflammation, cervical adenitis can be noticed due to:
- An increase in the size of the ganglia, which can be noticed when feeling the neck, behind the ears or under the chin; Fever; There may be pain during palpation.
The diagnosis is made by palpating the lymph nodes located in the neck, in addition to exams that allow to identify the cause of the lymph node swelling so that the best treatment for the case can be established. Thus, the doctor usually orders a blood test, such as a complete blood count, for example, in addition to carrying out serology for certain bacteria and viruses and a microbiological test to check which agent is causing the infection, in case the cervical lymphadenopathy results from infection.
In addition to these tests, if the doctor finds changes in the blood count suspected of a malignant process, it may be necessary to perform a biopsy of the lymph node to verify the presence or absence of tumor cells. See how to identify changes in your blood count.
How the treatment is done
Treatment for cervical adenitis aims to treat its cause. Thus, if the swelling of the ganglia has occurred due to infection by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus sp ., The doctor may recommend the use of antibiotics capable of combating these bacteria. In the case of cervical adenitis caused by infection with the HIV virus, Epstein-Barr or cytomegalovirus, for example, the use of antivirals is recommended. In addition, the use of anti-inflammatory drugs to relieve the symptoms of inflammation may be recommended by the doctor.
If the presence of cancer cells is reported in the result of the exams, indicative of thyroid cancer or lymphoma, for example, the doctor may opt for the surgical removal of the ganglion or tumor that is causing its swelling, in addition to chemotherapy sessions. Find out how it is done and what are the side effects of chemotherapy.
