Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Intracerebroventricular and Intravascular Injection of Viral Particles and Fluorescent Microbeads into the Neonatal Brain
Published on: July 24, 2016
Cervical lymphadenitis in infants and children
1College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY.
Insights
Cervical lymphadenitis in children often presents as an acute infection. Pediatric surgeons evaluate persistent or chronic cases, where benign causes are most common despite malignancy concerns.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Cervical lymphadenitis is a frequent pediatric condition.
- Most cases are managed by pediatricians as acute infections.
- Surgical intervention is reserved for refractory or chronic presentations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the diverse etiologies of pediatric cervical lymphadenitis.
- To present a practical approach to diagnosis and treatment.
- To differentiate between infectious and neoplastic causes.
Main Methods:
- Review of common and uncommon infectious agents causing cervical lymphadenitis.
- Discussion of diagnostic strategies for persistent cervical masses.
- Outline of therapeutic options for pediatric cervical lymphadenitis.
Main Results:
- Common bacteria (staphylococci) and atypical mycobacteria are frequent culprits.
- Fungal and other rare organisms can also cause cervical lymphadenitis.
- Benign conditions remain the predominant cause, even in chronic cases.
Conclusions:
- A systematic approach is crucial for diagnosing pediatric cervical lymphadenitis.
- Antibiotic therapy is the first line for acute infections.
- Persistent or chronic lymphadenitis requires thorough investigation to rule out malignancy and identify benign causes.
Abstract:
One of the more common cervical lesions seen in children is cervical lymphadenitis. Pediatricians handle the vast majority of these children who present with an acute infection. The pediatric surgeon becomes involved only when the presumptive infection does not respond to antibiotic therapy, or if the lump becomes chronic and persists for weeks or months. In this situation the specter of malignancy looms, but benign causes still predominate. The infectious agents range from common bacteria such as staphylococci and hematologic staphylococci to atypical mycobacterium, fungi, and other much less common organisms. A broad discussion of the numerous causes of cervical lymphadenitis is presented together with a pragmatic diagnostic and therapeutic approach.
More Related Videos
07:38Isolation of Tonsillar Mononuclear Cells to Study Ex Vivo Innate Immune Responses in a Human Mucosal Lymphoid Tissue
Published on: June 14, 2020
09:37Detection of Polyfunctional T Cells in Children Vaccinated with Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine via the Flow Cytometry Technique
Published on: September 23, 2022
Related Concept Videos
Development of Immunocompetence
The initial cells that migrate from the fetal thymus settle within the skin and epithelial tissues lining the mouth, digestive tract, and in females, the uterus and vagina. These cells, including skin-based dendritic cells, serve as antigen-presenting cells, playing a key role in T cell activation.
Subsequent T...
Tonsillitis I: Introduction
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
Viral Meningitis
Poliomyelitis
Cytomegalovirus Disease
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction