A retrospective chart review of evaluation of the cervical lymphadenopathies in children

Objective: Cervical lymphadenopathy is a common finding of physical examination in childhood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the etiology and treatment of cervical lymphadenopathy in children. Methods: Two hundred eighty two patients' chart reviewed retrospectively who were referred to the Pediatric Oncology Department with cervical lymphadenopathy during the period of November 2007-2009. Results: A total of 9 children had malignant and 273 children had benign disorders. Excisional biopsies were performed to 35 children. A specific etiology was found in 36% in the benign group. Conclusion: Primary diagnostic evaluation of childhood cervical lymph node enlargements is based mainly on clinical and physical examinations. (c) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.