JAPANESE JOURNAL OF ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

Vol. 54 No. 8       2008

ISSN: 0021-5163      UBIC: 151-J

ABSTRACT

Many differential diagnoses must be considered in the diagnosis of cervical lymphadenopathy. Lymph nodes, which are responsible for the production of lymphocytes, are crucial to the body's defense mechanism and are responsible for the immune response to bacteria, viruses, toxins, and other materials that invade the lymph vessels. They are also susceptible to metastasis of malignant tumors. Therefore, cervical lymphadenopathy may indicate a variety of dis6rders. In addition to interviews, visual inspection, and palpation, blood tests and diagnostic imaging such as X-ray, CT, MRI and ultrasound are also essential. In cases where a diagnosis can not be made based on these tests, biopsy of the swollen lymph node must be performed. Cervical lymph node biopsy requires the utmost care in addition to the patient's informed consent. Many nerves and blood vessels are present in the neck region, and accidental injury to these nerves and blood vessels may result in serious sequelae, which in many cases incur medical malpractice lawsuits. Therefore, cervical lymph node biopsy should not be performed unassisted by inexperienced surgeons. Herein, we present the lymph node disorders and diagnostic methods that are important for differential diagnosis, and describe the points of caution regarding lymph node biopsy. Keywords: cervical lymph node, lymph node biopsy, accessory nerve, medical malpractice.

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