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Imaging of cervical lymphadenopathy
A V Kaji1, T Mohuchy, J D Swartz
1Allegheny University Hospitals, MCP Division, Philadelphia, PA 19129, USA.
Seminars in Ultrasound, CT, and MR
|June 1, 1997
Summary
Diagnosing cervical lymphadenopathy, or enlarged neck lymph nodes, is complex. This review covers lymph node anatomy and diverse causes, from infections to cancers, aiding radiologists in accurate classification.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Head and Neck Imaging
- Oncology
Background:
- Cervical lymphadenopathy presents a diagnostic challenge for radiologists.
- Head and neck cancer staging is a common indication for imaging.
- Differential diagnosis includes infections, lymphomas, and other metastatic neoplasms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review cervical lymph node anatomy and regional classification.
- To discuss common and uncommon etiologies of cervical lymph node enlargement.
- To aid radiologists in the identification and classification of cervical lymphadenopathy.
Main Methods:
- Review of anatomical classifications of cervical lymph node chains.
- Discussion of differential diagnoses for enlarged cervical lymph nodes.
- Categorization of etiologies based on clinical presentation and disease states.
Main Results:
- Detailed anatomical review of cervical lymph node regions.
- Comprehensive list of differential diagnoses for lymphadenopathy.
- Categorization of common (e.g., squamous carcinoma, infections, lymphoma) and uncommon (e.g., Kimura's disease, Kikuchi's disease) causes.
Conclusions:
- Accurate identification and classification of cervical lymphadenopathy require understanding lymph node anatomy and a broad differential diagnosis.
- Radiologists must consider a wide spectrum of conditions beyond head and neck cancer.
- This review provides a framework for diagnosing enlarged cervical lymph nodes.