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Differential Diagnosis for Sore Throat with Pain on Right Side of Neck

Single Most Likely Diagnosis

  • Viral Pharyngitis: This is the most common cause of sore throat and can be accompanied by neck pain due to lymphadenopathy. The duration of 2 weeks is within the range for viral infections, which can sometimes persist.

Other Likely Diagnoses

  • Streptococcal Pharyngitis: Although less common than viral pharyngitis, streptococcal (strep) throat can cause severe sore throat and neck pain, typically on one side. It's a bacterial infection that requires antibiotic treatment.
  • Tonsillitis: Inflammation of the tonsils can cause sore throat and pain on one side of the neck, especially if the tonsillitis is unilateral.
  • Lymphadenitis: Infection or inflammation of the lymph nodes in the neck can cause pain on one side of the neck and may be accompanied by sore throat.

Do Not Miss Diagnoses

  • Lemierre's Syndrome: A rare but potentially life-threatening condition characterized by a sore throat followed by neck pain and swelling due to a bacterial infection of the jugular vein. It's crucial to diagnose early to prevent serious complications.
  • Epiglottitis: Although more commonly presenting with severe throat pain and difficulty swallowing, epiglottitis can occasionally cause neck pain and is a medical emergency due to the risk of airway obstruction.
  • Tuberculosis (TB): TB can cause chronic sore throat and neck pain due to lymphadenopathy. It's less common but critical to diagnose due to its public health implications and the need for specific treatment.
  • Malignancy (e.g., Lymphoma or Squamous Cell Carcinoma): Although rare, cancers of the throat or lymph nodes can cause persistent sore throat and neck pain. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.

Rare Diagnoses

  • Diphtheria: A bacterial infection that can cause sore throat and neck pain, but it's very rare in areas with high vaccination coverage.
  • Mononucleosis (Mono): Caused by the Epstein-Barr virus, mono can lead to sore throat, fever, and lymphadenopathy, including neck pain. It's more common in younger populations.
  • Actinomycosis: A rare bacterial infection that can cause chronic sore throat, neck pain, and lymphadenopathy, often associated with poor dental hygiene or oral trauma.
  • Sarcoidosis: A systemic disease that can cause lymphadenopathy, including in the neck, and may be accompanied by sore throat, though this is less common.

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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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