Adenitis results in swelling of the lymph nodes, and is classed by type. Though one normally recognizes the lymph nodes at the throat, and perhaps at the groin, there are lymph nodes throughout the rest of the body. Location-specific inflammation of lymph nodes is referred to as a type of adenitis, with the main symptoms in all areas being pain, and possibly drainage from the swelling.

Cervical adenitis refers to lymph nodes in the neck that have become swollen. This may affect only one lymph node. It is usually caused by bacteria and results in a very painful swelling in the affected area. Fever is usually present and the node may appear as a red mass, or feel very hot to the touch.

Mesenteric adenitis is swelling of one or more lymph nodes on the right side of the abdomen, usually exactly above the appendix. Often only one lymph node is affected. Bacterial or viral infection causes the painful swelling, which is often accompanied by fever. This type of adenitis results in so much pain that it is frequently mistaken for appendicitis.

Diagnosis of mesenteric adenitis may not be made until after a surgeon has removed a healthy appendix. Even ultrasound may mistake mesenteric adenitis for appendicitis, since the swollen lymph node can make the appendix appear compromised. Unlike appendicitis, however, mesenteric adenitis will generally resolve with antibiotic treatment.

Sebaceous adenitis affects the skin and may result in glands of the skin being swollen. This condition is also frequently noted in certain breeds of dogs, like the Akita. Sebaceous glands produce oil and keep skin lubricated. In sebaceous adenitis, however, these glands become blocked and result in what appears to be skin eruptions. They are frequently noted on the face. Cyclosporine, an antibiotic, often helps resolve the condition.

Tuberculosis adenitis, also called scrofula, also affects the skin and particularly the lymph nodes around the neck. It can be easily diagnosed by testing for the presence of tuberculosis, which helps rule out cervical adenitis. Since tuberculosis is now relatively rare, this form of adenitis is as well. Symptoms usually include one or more masses at the neck, fever, chills, and weight loss. Untreated, scrofula progresses to open sores.

Treatment of scrofula involves antibiotics, and may also necessitate removal of one or more affected lymph nodes since the swelling can damage nerves in the face. Recovery rates from this complication of tuberculosis are high. In most cases treated tuberculosis adenitis does not recur.

Lymphadenitis may refer to any one gland affected by bacteria. Lymph nodes most often affected include those in the groin and in the armpits. Antibiotic treatment usually cures this form. If the swelling in a lymph node is caused by the abnormal growth of cells, this may be called lymphadenopathy. This may be caused by Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and is also a symptom of cutaneous anthrax.

Anyone suspecting adenitis or lymphadenopathy should see a doctor to determine disease origin and best method of treatment. As well, since physicians now suspect that about 10% of cases of appendicitis are actually mesenteric adenitis, inquiring about this possibility may be of use in diagnosis of either condition.