Adenitis

Adenitis is a general term for an inflammation of a gland^[1] or lymph node.

Classification

Lymph node adenitis

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

• Neck
  • Cervical adenitis is an inflammation of a lymph node in the neck.
  • Tuberculous adenitis (scrofula) is a tuberculous infection of the skin of the neck caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Non-tuberculous adenitis can also be caused by Mycobacterium scrofulaceum or Mycobacterium avium.

• Abdomen
  • Mesenteric adenitis is an inflammation of the mesenteric lymph nodes in the abdomen.^[2] If it occurs in the right lower quadrant, it can be mistaken for acute appendicitis, often preceded by a sore throat.

Other

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 o f the skin.

References

1. ^ "Adenitis" at Dorland's Medical Dictionary
2. ^ Ellis H, Calne R, Watson C. Lecture Notes on General Surgery tenth edition, p.28. ISBN 0-632-06371-8