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Salem Health: Infectious Diseases & Conditions, 2nd Edition

Lymphadenitis

by Carita Caple, , M.S.H.S., R.N.

Category: Diseases and conditions

Anatomy or system affected: Immune system, lymph nodes, lymphatic system

Definition

Lymphadenitis is inflammation of a lymph node. The condition is common in children.

Causes

Lymphadenitis usually results from a bacterial infection, but can also occur in response to a virus, fungus, or cancer. Lymph nodes filter infection and cancer cells, which are then drained by way of the lymphatic system, an interconnecting network of channels that move lymph fluid through the body to the blood. The nodes become inflamed in response to a buildup of bacteria or other inflammatory triggers. Lymphadenitis is commonly caused by members of the Mycobacterium species of bacteria, either tuberculosis-causing (tuberculous) or nontuberculous Mycobacterium. In children, infection with nontuberculous Mycobacterium is usually responsible for lymph node swelling; the bacteria are common to water and soil and to dairy products.

Risk Factors

Risk factors for lymphadenitis include any recent viral, fungal, or bacterial infection or cancer. Recent infections caused by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria can result in lymphadenitis, even if the initial infection is successfully treated. Underlying chronic illness can predispose a person to lymphadenitis, but healthy people can also be affected.

Symptoms

Swelling of one or more lymph nodes is the primary symptom. The nodes may be painless or tender, and feel rubbery or hard. The overlying skin may appear normal or may be bruised or inflamed. In children, infection with nontuberculous Mycobacterium results in inflammation of nodes in the face, neck (cervical), collarbone (clavicular), or under the jaw (submandibular), which may drain infectious fluid (pus) through the skin.

Screening and Diagnosis

Lymphadenitis can be diagnosed based upon symptoms in persons who have had a recent infection in the area of the swollen node. If there is no known history of infection, a more thorough work up may be warranted. Common diagnostic procedures include biopsy (microscopic analysis) of lymph tissue following surgical removal (excision) of the lymph node and fine needle aspiration, a procedure in which a small needle is inserted into the node to remove lymph cells. A chest X ray, a computed tomography (CT) scan, or a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) test may be performed to evaluate the area of the body containing the enlarged node.

Treatment and Therapy

Treatment may involve surgical excision of all involved nodes, an extended course of antibiotics, and simple observation for lymphadenitis to resolve on its own. Treatment decisions are made based upon the cause of lymphadenitis, whether the lymph node or nodes can be removed with minimal scarring or damage to underlying nerves or blood vessels, and the potential benefit or risks of months-long antibiotic therapy. One should have any collection of pus (abscess) surgically drained.

Prevention and Outcomes

Based on the multitude of potential causes, lymphadenitis cannot be prevented. The primary concern should be early medical attention and treatment.

Further Reading

1 

Amir, J. “Non-tuberculous Mycobacterial Lymphadenitis in Children: Diagnosis and Management.” Israel Medical Association Journal 12 (2010): 49-52.

2 

Harris, Robert L., et al. “Cervicofacial Nontuberculous Mycobacterium Lymphadenitis in Children: Is Surgery Always Necessary?” International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology 73 (2009): 1297-1301.

3 

“Lymphatic Disorders.” In The Merck Manual Home Health Handbook, edited by Robert S. Porter et al. 3d ed. Whitehouse Station, N.J.: Merck Research Laboratories, 2009.

4 

McDowell, Julie, and Michael Windelsprecht. The Lymphatic System. Santa Barbara, Calif.: Greenwood Press, 2004.

5 

Schmitt, D. B. “Swollen Lymph Nodes: Brief Version.” In Pediatric Advisor, edited by J. Burley et al. Broomfield, Colo.: Clinical Reference Systems, 2008.

Web Sites of Interest

About Kids Health

http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca

American Academy of Family Physicians

http://familydoctor.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

http://www.cdc.gov

National Library of Medicine

http://www.nlm.nih.gov

See also: Bacterial infections; Children and infectious disease; Inflammation; Mycobacterial infections; Mycobacterium; Skin infections; Staphylococcus; Streptococcus.

Citation Types

Type
Format
MLA 9th
Caple, Carita. "Lymphadenitis." Salem Health: Infectious Diseases & Conditions, 2nd Edition, edited by H. Bradford Hawley, Salem Press, 2020. Salem Online, online.salempress.com/articleDetails.do?articleName=Infect2e_0339.
APA 7th
Caple, C. (2020). Lymphadenitis. In H. B. Hawley (Ed.), Salem Health: Infectious Diseases & Conditions, 2nd Edition. Salem Press. online.salempress.com.
CMOS 17th
Caple, Carita. "Lymphadenitis." Edited by H. Bradford Hawley. Salem Health: Infectious Diseases & Conditions, 2nd Edition. Hackensack: Salem Press, 2020. Accessed September 16, 2025. online.salempress.com.