Usually clinical diagnosis
If associated exudative pharyngitis, consider Rapid GAS testing
If severe symptoms (ill-appearing, high fever), consider:
Basic labs (CBC, BMP)
Blood cultures
ESR/CRP may be helpful for monitoring course of infection/response to treatment
Ultrasound to evaluate for associate abscess or deep locations
If subacute/chronic, consider:
CBC, BMP, ESR/CRP
Uric acid, LDH
Tuberculin skin test
Basic labs (CBC, BMP)
Blood cultures
ESR/CRP may be helpful for monitoring course of infection/response to treatment
Ultrasound to evaluate for associate abscess or deep locations
CBC, BMP, ESR/CRP
Uric acid, LDH
Tuberculin skin test
Lymphadenitis
Reactive adenitis
Pharyngitis
Bacterial lymphadenitis
Laryngitis
Tuberculous lymphadenitis
Lymphangitis
Cellulitis