Differential Diagnosis for Tonsilar and Submandibular Lymph Node Swelling with Sore Throat
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral pharyngitis: This is the most common cause of sore throat and lymph node swelling in the tonsilar and submandibular regions. It is often caused by viruses such as adenovirus, rhinovirus, or coronavirus, and is usually self-limiting.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Bacterial pharyngitis (Streptococcal pharyngitis): Caused by Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus, this condition requires antibiotic treatment to prevent complications such as rheumatic fever.
- Mononucleosis (Infectious mononucleosis): Caused by Epstein-Barr virus, this condition is characterized by fever, sore throat, and lymphadenopathy, and is often seen in young adults.
- Reactive lymphadenitis: This is a non-specific response to infection or inflammation in the head and neck region, and can cause lymph node swelling in the submandibular and tonsilar regions.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Lemierre's syndrome: A rare but potentially life-threatening condition caused by Fusobacterium necrophorum, characterized by sore throat, lymphadenitis, and sepsis.
- Tuberculosis: Although rare in some regions, tuberculosis can cause lymphadenitis and sore throat, and is an important diagnosis to consider, especially in high-risk populations.
- HIV infection: Acute HIV infection can present with sore throat, lymphadenopathy, and fever, and is an important diagnosis to consider in high-risk individuals.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Toxoplasmosis: A parasitic infection that can cause lymphadenopathy and sore throat, especially in immunocompromised individuals.
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection: A viral infection that can cause mononucleosis-like symptoms, including sore throat and lymphadenopathy.
- Lymphoma: A type of cancer that can cause lymphadenopathy, although it is a rare cause of sore throat and lymph node swelling in the tonsilar and submandibular regions.