What to know about swollen cervical lymph nodes
The following is some causes of posterior cervical lymph node swelling and enlargement:
Swollen lymph nodes
The posterior cervical lymph nodes are located on the neck. They are responsible for draining and filtering lymphatic fluid from different areas in the head and neck. As with all lymph nodes in the body, their responsibility is to filter debris like bacteria, cancer cells, viruses, and anything else that shouldn’t be circulating through your body. Lymph nodes in the body can swell up for several diverse reasons.
Acute lymphadenitis of face, head and neck L04. 0 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The 2022 edition of ICD-10-CM L04. 0 became effective on October 1, 2021.
Cervical lymphadenopathy is abnormal enlargement of lymph nodes (LNs) in the head and neck usually >1 cm. Most cases are benign and self-limited, however, the differential diagnosis is broad.
The lymph nodes in your neck are small, and you usually can't feel them unless infection or inflammation causes them to get bigger. Cervical lymphadenopathy is a condition where the lymph nodes in your neck swell.
Anterior cervical lymphadenopathy is most often caused by a viral agent (such as rhinovirus, adenovirus, enterovirus, HSV, influenza virus) or less commonly by a bacterial agent such as S. pyogenes, S. aureus, and M. pneumoniae.
Cervical lymphadenopathy refers to the swelling of lymph nodes located in the neck. Lymph nodes, situated all over the body, are part of the lymphatic system, which works to protect the body against microbes, maintain adequate fluid levels, absorb nutrients, and remove certain waste products.
Lymphadenopathy refers to any disease process involving lymph nodes that are abnormal in size and consistency. Lymphadenitis specifically refers to lymphadenopathies that are caused by inflammatory processes.
Anterior (pectoral) lymph nodes are along the inferior border of pectoralis minor, near the lateral thoracic vessels. They receive lymph from the breast, skin, and muscles of the supraumbilical anterolateral body wall. They drain into the central and apical nodes.
Cervical lymphadenitis, defined as an acute symptomatic enlargement of the cervical lymph nodes, is a common condition in children of all ages. Most cases of cervical lymphadenitis in children are self-limited and can safely be monitored for spontaneous resolution over four to six weeks.
Lymphadenitis is an infection in one or more lymph nodes. When lymph nodes become infected, it's usually because an infection started somewhere else in your body. Lymphadenitis can cause lymph nodes to become enlarged, red, or tender. Treatment may include antibiotics, and medications to control pain and fever.
Lymph nodes help your body recognize and fight germs, infections, and other foreign substances. The term "swollen glands" refers to enlargement of one or more lymph nodes. The medical name for swollen lymph nodes is lymphadenopathy.
Posterior cervical or occipital lymphadenopathy may be caused by scalp infection or dermatitis, roseola or rubella infection.
The above classification is not inclusive of several important nodal groups in the head and neck:superior mediastinal nodes.retropharyngeal nodes.parotid nodes.occipital nodes.posterior auricular (mastoid) nodes.facial nodes.