Differential Diagnosis for Palpable Anterior Cervical Lymph Node
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral Pharyngitis: The patient's lab results show a high lymphocyte percentage (63.2%) and a low neutrophil percentage (25.6%) and count (1.17), which is consistent with a viral infection. The presence of a palpable anterior cervical lymph node also supports this diagnosis, as viral pharyngitis often causes lymphadenopathy.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Infectious Mononucleosis: Although the monocyte percentage (8.3%) and count (0.38) are within normal limits, infectious mononucleosis can cause lymphadenopathy and mild abnormalities in blood cell counts. The patient's age and symptoms would help determine the likelihood of this diagnosis.
- Toxoplasmosis: This parasitic infection can cause lymphadenopathy, particularly in the cervical region, and may lead to changes in lymphocyte counts. However, specific tests (e.g., toxoplasma IgM and IgG antibodies) would be needed to confirm this diagnosis.
- Tuberculosis: Although less common, tuberculosis can cause cervical lymphadenopathy and may lead to abnormalities in blood cell counts, including a high lymphocyte percentage. A thorough medical history, physical examination, and additional tests (e.g., chest X-ray, tuberculin skin test) would be necessary to evaluate this possibility.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Hodgkin Lymphoma: Although rare, Hodgkin lymphoma can cause cervical lymphadenopathy and may lead to changes in blood cell counts. It is essential to consider this diagnosis, especially if the patient has systemic symptoms (e.g., fever, weight loss, night sweats) or if the lymph node does not respond to initial treatment.
- Leukemia: Certain types of leukemia, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), can cause lymphadenopathy and abnormalities in blood cell counts. A thorough evaluation, including a bone marrow biopsy and specific blood tests, would be necessary to rule out this diagnosis.
Rare Diagnoses
- Castleman Disease: This rare disorder can cause lymphadenopathy, particularly in the cervical region, and may lead to changes in blood cell counts. Castleman disease is often associated with systemic symptoms and may require specific tests (e.g., lymph node biopsy) for diagnosis.
- Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease: This rare condition is characterized by cervical lymphadenopathy and may lead to changes in blood cell counts, including a high lymphocyte percentage. Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease is often self-limiting, but it can be challenging to diagnose and may require a lymph node biopsy for confirmation.
- Sarcoidosis: Although rare, sarcoidosis can cause cervical lymphadenopathy and may lead to changes in blood cell counts. This diagnosis would require a thorough evaluation, including a chest X-ray, pulmonary function tests, and a biopsy of the affected lymph node.