Nontuberculous lymphadenopathy in children: using the evidence to plan optimal management

There is no evidence that drug treatment improves healing more rapidly or is associated with an improved cosmetic outcome compared to spontaneous resolution, and no studies have related therapy and outcome to mycobacterial species and susceptibility. It is interesting that widespread and accepted use of drug treatment has developed with no good evidence that drugs facilitate healing[36]. It is therefore essential, given spontaneous healing will occur, that any future studies compare drug treatment with spontaneous resolution.In conclusion there is good evidence that excision of nontuberculous mycobacterial lymphadenopathy is usually curative and should be performed where possible. Where lesions are too large or too difficult to surgically excise, alternatives could include de-bulking with incision and drainage or curettage, recognising that treated this way lesions will be slow to heal. Until there is evidence about the efficacy of antimycobacterial drug treatment it should not be used routinely, though it may be considered in extensive, complex disease. Also, there is no evidence to suggest that antimycobacterial drugs confer an additional benefit when the lesion is excised.