The diagnosis and treatment of scrofula (mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis)

Mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis, or scrofula, may be caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, or the atypical mycobacteria. It is important to distinguish between tuberculous cervical lymphadenitis and atypical mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis, since medical and surgical treatment of each of these entities is different. The two types of scrofula are compared and contrasted. The appropriate treatment of each is discussed, and the complications of improper management are described.