“CERVICAL LYMPHADENOPATHY AND ITS ETIOLOGY IN CHILDREN: A STUDY IN A TERTIARY HEALTH CARE INSTITUTE.”

Abstract

Background: Lymphadenopathy occurs in a number of cases presenting in ENT out-patient department. Most cases are found to have enlarged cervical lymph glands. Lymphadenopathy is a condition affecting the lymph nodes of the body as a result of infection, benign or malignant conditions. As a result, lymph nodes become enlarged and abnormal in size, shape, consistency and they may show xity, abnormal mobility or symptoms that differ from normal. This is due to uid accumulation and action of lymphocytes. The most common form is lymphadenitis when it is due to inammation. Inammation may spread from surrounding soft tissue via lymphatic vessels or direct involvement of the lymph glands. A study was conducted to have an idea about the most common cause of cervical lymphadenopathy in children as most common region of lymph node in children is cervical groups of lymph nodes. A hospital-based prospective study was Methods and Materials: conducted in the department of otorhinolaryngology and head and neck surgery, from a time period of October 2021 to March 2022 and results analysed from the collected data. Results: Reactive lymphadenopathy due to viral or bacterial infections is the leading cause followed by systemic and malignant diseases. Discussion: Inammatory response is the leading cause of cervical lymphadenopathy in children.