Denouement and Discussion
Superficial Cervical Lymphadenopathy After Insertion of Earrings
Manifestations
The wearing of earrings is not uncommon in pediatric patients. It is the custom in some ethnic groups to insert earrings in the ears of infants and young children. After the insertion of earrings, local inflammation may take place and, on occasion, the area may become infected. This results in enlargement of the superficial lymph nodes, which are located superficial to the sternocleidomastoid muscle along the external jugular vein. The earlobe, floor of the external acoustic meatus, and skin over the angle of the jaw are the only areas drained by this chain of lymph nodes. Therefore, it is unusual for these lymph nodes to become enlarged, and if they do in the presence of recent earring insertion, the two events are most likely associated. Alertness to the possibility of this association can prevent unnecessary diagnostic procedures as well