Lymph node enlargement is a common feature in a variety of diseases and may serve as a focal point for subsequent clinical investigation of diseases of the reticuloendothelial system or regional infection. The majority of cases represent a benign response to localized or systemic infection. Most children with lymphadenitis exhibit small, palpable cervical, axillary, and inguinal lymph nodes. Less common is enlargement of the suboccipital or postauricular nodes. Palpable supraclavicular, epitrochlear, and popliteal lymph nodes are uncommon, as are enlarged mediastinal and abdominal nodes.
Lymphadenitis may affect a single node or a group of nodes (regional adenopathy) and may be unilateral or bilateral. The onset and course of lymphadenitis may be acute, subacute, or chronic.
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Disclosure: Received grant/research funds from Novartis for clinical research investigator; Received speaking fees paid to university, not self from Merck for speaking and teaching; Received speaking fees paid to university, not self from sanofi pasteur for speaking and teaching.
The authors and editors of Medscape Reference gratefully acknowledge the contributions of previous author, Ulfat Shaikh, MD, MPH, to the development and writing of this article.