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Differential Diagnosis for Sweating, Cervical Lymphadenopathy, and Sore Throat

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Infectious Mononucleosis (Mono): This condition, caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), is characterized by sore throat, fever, and lymphadenopathy, including cervical lymph nodes. Sweating can occur due to the fever and systemic illness associated with mono.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Streptococcal Pharyngitis: This bacterial infection can cause sore throat, fever, and cervical lymphadenopathy. While sweating is not a primary symptom, it can occur in the context of fever.
  • Tuberculosis (TB): TB can cause lymphadenopathy, including in the cervical region, along with systemic symptoms like night sweats and fever, which could be perceived as sweating.
  • Lymphoma: Both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma can present with lymphadenopathy, including in the cervical region, and systemic symptoms such as fever and night sweats.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • HIV Infection: Acute HIV infection can present with a flu-like illness that includes sore throat, lymphadenopathy, and fever, which might be accompanied by sweating. Early diagnosis is crucial for treatment and management.
  • Lemierre's Syndrome: This rare but serious condition involves a bacterial infection of the throat that spreads to the lymph nodes and can cause sepsis. Symptoms include sore throat, cervical lymphadenopathy, and fever, which could lead to sweating.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Cat-Scratch Disease: Caused by Bartonella henselae, this infection can lead to lymphadenopathy, typically near the site of the cat scratch, and systemic symptoms like fever.
  • Toxoplasmosis: Infection with Toxoplasma gondii can cause lymphadenopathy and, in immunocompromised individuals, more severe symptoms including fever and night sweats.
  • Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection: Similar to EBV, CMV can cause a mononucleosis-like syndrome with fever, lymphadenopathy, and sore throat, particularly in immunocompromised patients or those who are CMV-negative and receive an organ transplant from a CMV-positive donor.

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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.

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