CORRELATION OF CERVICAL LYMPHADENOPATHY OF MAXILLOFACIAL REGION IN CHILDREN AND ADULTS

Abstract

Background: Cervical lymphadenopathy is a common clinical condition in children and adults. It may be primary regional lymphadenopathy but mostly it may be secondary to either infective lesion in areas that drain to neck or due to metastasis from the malignant lesions of the areas which drain into cervical lymphnodes of different levels.

Objectives: This study was performed to evaluate the clinical behavior, management and outcome of cervical lymphnodes and to determine the distribution of primary site in upper aero digestive tract in cases of cervical lymph node metastasis.

Methods: Patients visiting the Dental OPD and/or admitted in the Surgical IPD for Cervical Lymphadenopathy during September 2018 to December 2018, was taken up for study with the help of relevant history, thorough case history of intraoral and extraoral maxillofacial region. Appropriate investigations including FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology), Ultrasound of the neck, endoscopy etc. was performed for each patient.

Results: Out of 80 cases presenting with cervical lymphadenopathy, causes found to be periodontitis, pericoronitis, third molar impaction, osteomyelitis and other oropharyngeal infections. 29 of the patients presented at stage IVA i.e., 72.5%, 4 cases at stage III i.e., 10%, 2 cases at stage IVB i.e., 5%. Remaining out of 5 cases, 3 cases were CAT-I i.e., 7.5%, 2 cases were stage IA and IIIB of Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma respectively i.e., 5%.

Conclusion: By this study it is evident that there is clear pattern of relationship between intra and extraoral organ-specific drainage and incidence of cervical metastasis in children as well as adult population.

This study helps in planning and dealing occult metastasis tumors and other lesions of oral cavity, pharynx by following lymphnodes for the corresponding primary sites.

Keywords: Lymph Nodes, Cervical Lymphadenopathy, Endoscopy, FNAC, Ultrasound.