Acute lymphadenitis – Develops over a few days (but may persist for weeks to months).Cervical lymphadenitis – Enlarged, inflamed, and tender lymph node(s) of the neck although strictly speaking, 'lymphadenitis' refers to inflamed lymph nodes, the terms 'lymphadenitis' and 'lymphadenopathy' often are used interchangeably.Cervical lymphadenopathy – Enlarged lymph node(s) of the neck, including preauricular, parotid, jugulodigastric, submental, submandibular, posterior cervical, superficial cervical, deep cervical, occipital, and posterior auricular (mastoid) ( figure 1) lymphadenopathy encompasses both inflamed and noninflamed lymph nodes.(See 'Cervical lymphadenitis in children: Diagnostic approach and initial management' and 'Peripheral lymphadenopathy in children: Etiology' and 'Peripheral lymphadenopathy in children: Evaluation and diagnostic approach'.) The evaluation and treatment of cervical lymphadenitis in children is discussed separately, as is peripheral lymphadenopathy. The etiology, pathophysiology, and clinical manifestations of cervical lymphadenitis in children will be reviewed here. The incidence is difficult to ascertain because it is usually caused by a viral upper respiratory infection and is self-limited.

INTRODUCTION - Cervical lymphadenitis is common in childhood.

Shotty lymph nodes in neck