Determinants of malignancy in paediatric neck lymphadenopathy—emphasis on the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio

Abstract

Background: Cervical lymphadenopathy is by far the leading cause of neck swelling in the paediatric population. Etiologically, infective or inflammatory lymphadenitis is the most common cause. The main priority of the diagnostic work-up in children with cervical lymphadenopathy is identifying those that require specific treatments, and in particular, those with malignancies. The goal of this study is to review the clinical, laboratory and radiological findings in a cohort of children who underwent open neck node biopsies for lymphadenopathy. Methods: An observational retrospective, single center study at a dedicated tertiary paediatric hospital was performed with chart reviews of children up..