Differential Diagnosis for Single Anterior Cervical Lymph Node
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Reactive lymphadenitis: This is the most common cause of a single anterior cervical lymph node enlargement, often due to a viral upper respiratory tract infection, which leads to a reactive and benign enlargement of the lymph node.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Tuberculosis: Although less common in some regions, tuberculosis can cause lymphadenitis, particularly in the cervical region, and should be considered, especially in individuals from endemic areas or with risk factors.
- Dental or oral infections: Infections from the teeth or oral cavity can drain to the anterior cervical lymph nodes, causing enlargement.
- Cat-scratch disease: Caused by Bartonella henselae, this condition can lead to lymphadenopathy, typically in the region draining the site of the cat scratch.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Lymphoma: Both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma can present with lymphadenopathy, and a single anterior cervical lymph node could be the initial manifestation.
- Metastatic cancer: Cancers from various primary sites, such as the head and neck, lung, or breast, can metastasize to cervical lymph nodes, making this a critical diagnosis not to miss.
- Sarcoidosis: Although less common, sarcoidosis can cause lymphadenopathy and should be considered, especially if other systemic symptoms are present.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease: A rare, self-limiting condition that predominantly affects young women, characterized by cervical lymphadenopathy and fever.
- Kimura disease: A chronic inflammatory disorder that can cause lymphadenopathy and eosinophilia, more commonly seen in Asian males.
- Castleman disease: A rare disorder that can cause lymphadenopathy, which may be localized or part of a multicentric process, often associated with systemic symptoms.