Differential Diagnosis
The patient's presentation of inflamed posterior and anterior cervical regions, along with elevated neutrophils and white blood cell count (WBC), suggests an infectious or inflammatory process. Here's a categorized differential diagnosis:
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Pharyngitis: This is likely due to the inflammation of the cervical regions, which could be indicative of a throat infection. The elevated WBC and neutrophils support a bacterial infection, such as streptococcal pharyngitis.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Cervical Lymphadenitis: Inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck, which could be due to a bacterial or viral infection, is a plausible diagnosis given the symptoms.
- Tonsillitis: Infection of the tonsils, which are located in the cervical region, could cause inflammation and an elevated WBC count.
- Cellulitis of the Neck: A bacterial skin infection that could cause inflammation and elevated WBC, though it might be less common in the cervical area without a clear source of infection.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Retropharyngeal Abscess: Although less common, this condition is potentially life-threatening due to the risk of airway obstruction. It presents with neck stiffness, fever, and sometimes difficulty swallowing.
- Epiglottitis: An infection of the epiglottis that can cause severe swelling, potentially leading to airway obstruction. It's a medical emergency.
- Lemierre's Syndrome: A rare but serious condition following a throat infection, characterized by thrombophlebitis of the internal jugular vein and septicemia.
Rare Diagnoses
- Tuberculous Cervical Lymphadenitis: Although rare in many parts of the world, tuberculosis can cause lymph node inflammation in the neck.
- Cat-Scratch Disease: Caused by Bartonella henselae, this infection can lead to lymphadenopathy, including in the cervical region, following a cat scratch or bite.
- Kawasaki Disease: A rare condition that mainly affects children, causing inflammation in the walls of medium-sized arteries throughout the body, and can present with cervical lymphadenopathy among other symptoms.