Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: August 18, 2025 • View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Differential Diagnosis for Left Posterior Auricle Enlarged Lymph Node, Elevated WBC, Elevated Neutrophils, with a Thyroid Nodule

  • Single Most Likely Diagnosis
    • Infectious Thyroiditis or Subacute Thyroiditis: This condition can cause a thyroid nodule, elevated WBC and neutrophils due to inflammation, and potentially lead to lymphadenopathy due to the body's immune response. The proximity of the lymph node to the thyroid gland supports this diagnosis.
  • Other Likely Diagnoses
    • Thyroid Cancer with Secondary Infection: A thyroid nodule could be malignant, and if secondarily infected, could explain the elevated WBC and neutrophils. Lymphadenopathy would be due to metastasis or reactive changes.
    • Hashimoto Thyroiditis: Although typically associated with lymphocytosis rather than neutrophilia, Hashimoto thyroiditis can cause a thyroid nodule and lymphadenopathy. The elevated WBC could be a reactive process.
    • Reactive Lymphadenitis: This could be due to a local infection (e.g., ear, scalp) causing lymphadenopathy and systemic signs of infection like elevated WBC and neutrophils. The thyroid nodule might be incidental.
  • Do Not Miss Diagnoses
    • Metastatic Cancer to the Thyroid and Lymph Nodes: Although rare, cancers like renal cell carcinoma can metastasize to the thyroid gland, causing a nodule, and to local lymph nodes, causing lymphadenopathy. Elevated WBC and neutrophils could be due to tumor-related inflammation.
    • Lymphoma Involving the Thyroid and Lymph Nodes: Both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma can involve the thyroid gland and cause lymphadenopathy. Systemic symptoms and elevated WBC could be present.
  • Rare Diagnoses
    • Wegener's Granulomatosis (Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis): This autoimmune disorder can cause thyroid nodules, lymphadenopathy, and elevated WBC and neutrophils due to systemic inflammation and vasculitis.
    • Riedel's Thyroiditis: A rare form of chronic thyroiditis that can cause a hard, fibrotic thyroid gland and potentially lead to lymphadenopathy and systemic signs of inflammation.
    • De Quervain's Thyroiditis: Although typically associated with a painful thyroid and elevated WBC, this condition is usually self-limiting and might not fully explain the lymphadenopathy unless there's a secondary infectious process.

Related Questions

What is the recommended administration and management of Alteplase (tissue plasminogen activator) for acute ischemic stroke?
Does simulation in medical education help develop non-technical skills like communication, teamwork, and decision-making under pressure?
What are the recommendations for administering alteplase (tissue plasminogen activator) between 4.5 to 24 hours after acute ischemic stroke onset, according to the HOPE (Helping Others Prevent Emergencies) trial?

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.

Ask Question