A retrospective chart review of evaluation of the cervical lymphadenopathies in children.

Abstract Objective Cervical lymphadenopathy is a common finding of physical examination in childhood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the etiology and treatment of cervical lymphadenopathy in children. Methods Two hundred eighty two patients’ chart reviewed retrospectively who were referred to the Pediatric Oncology Department with cervical lymphadenopathy during the period of November 2007–2009. Results A total of 9 children had malignant and 273 children had benign disorders. Excisional biopsies were performed to 35 children. A specific etiology was found in 36% in the benign group. Conclusion Primary diagnostic evaluation of childhood cervical lymph node enlargements is based mainly on clinical and physical examinations.