ABSTRACT
Swellings in the neck are common, with over 200 lymph nodes present. These nodes are the natural safeguard against infection once it has entered into the body through the oral or nasal cavities. Enlarged lymph nodes are the commonest lumps to be found in the neck of a child. Following a sore throat or acute tonsillitis the jugulodigastric lymph nodes in the neck enlarge. Lymphadenitis may be aborted by the body’s natural defences or by antibiotics; however, if this does not happen then it may progress to an abscess. The glands usually affected are commonly found in the anterior triangle of the submandibular region and these may become matted together to form a firm tender mass. Discoloration of the skin and fluctuation are not early features, as the glands lie deep to the deep cervical fascia. Abscess formation is usually caused by penicillinresistant Staphylococcus aureus. Surgical drainage is the treatment of choice.
