Adenitis

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Adenitis is a general term for an inflammation of a gland or lymph node.

Cervical adenitis an inflammation of a lymph node in the neck.

Lymph adenitis is caused by bacterial infection in lymph nodes. The infected lymph nodes become enlarged, warm and tender. A swelling of lymph nodes due to growth of lymph cells is called lymphadenopathy.

Mesenteric adenitis is an inflammation of the mesenteric lymph nodes in the abdomen. If it occurs in the right lower quadrant, it can be mistaken for acute appendicitis.

Sebaceous adenitis is an inflammation of the sebaceous glands in the skin. These glands normally produce sebum (skin oil, a lipid-rich secretion) which prevents drying of the skin.

Tuberculous adenitis (scrofula) is a tuberculous infection of the skin of the neck, most often caused by mycobacteria (including M. tuberculosis) in adults. In children it is usually caused by M. scrofulaceum or M. avium.