Cervical lymphadenopathy: Unwinding the hidden truth

Abstract

Lymphadenopathy is a common clinical fi nding in a patient seeking oral health care. It may be in a
localized, limited, or generalized form. Malignancies, infections, autoimmune disorders, iatrogenic,
and other miscellaneous conditions are considered as the causes for cervical lymphadenopathy.
Unexplained cervical lymphadenopathy is a cause of concern for physician and patient because
sometimes it could be the manifestation of an underlying malignancy. However, a methodological
approach to lymphadenopathy can disclose the accurate diagnosis causing minimal discomfort for the
patient and in a short time. This paper reports the signifi cance of cervical lymph node examination
and ensuing investigations, which led to a diagnosis of non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
Key Words:lymphadenopathy,lymphoma  
,non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Positron emission tomography/Computed tomography