What are causes of cevical lymphadenopathy?

There are numerous potential causes of cervical (neck) lymphadenopathy, which refers to the swelling or enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck. Here are some common causes:

Infections:

1. Viral Infections:

- Upper respiratory tract infections, such as the common cold, flu, tonsillitis, pharyngitis (sore throat), and laryngitis.

- Infectious mononucleosis.

- Mumps.

- Measles.

- Rubella.

- Chickenpox.

- HIV.

2. Bacterial Infections:

- Strep throat.

- Scarlet fever.

- Tuberculosis.

- Cat-scratch disease.

- Syphilis.

3. Parasitic Infections:

- Toxoplasmosis.

Non-Infectious Inflammatory Conditions:

1. Autoimmune Diseases:

- Rheumatoid arthritis.

- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

- Sjogren's syndrome.

2. Thyroid Disorders:

- Graves' disease.

- Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

3. Sarcoidosis:

- A condition characterized by the formation of small, inflammatory lumps (granulomas) in various organs, including the lymph nodes.

4. Drug Reactions:

- Certain medications can cause an allergic reaction or side effect that leads to swollen lymph nodes.

Tumors:

1. Benign Tumors:

- Lipoma: A fatty tumor.

- Hemangioma: A non-cancerous growth of blood vessels.

2. Malignant Tumors:

- Lymphoma (Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma).

- Leukemia (cancers of the blood-forming tissue, including lymph nodes).

- Squamous cell carcinoma: Cancer that starts in the cells lining the skin, mouth, throat, or other areas.

- Metastasis: Cancer that has spread from another body site to the lymph nodes in the neck.

It's important to note that some causes of cervical lymphadenopathy can be serious and require prompt medical attention. If you experience persistent or concerning swelling or tenderness in your neck, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.