Kimura's Disease: An Unusual Cause of Chronic Neck Lympadenopathy

This chapter highlights about diagnostic and management of Kimura's disease, an unusual cause of chronic neck lymphadenopathy. Kimura’s disease (KD) is a rare chronic inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology, primarily seen in young Asian males. The disease is characterized by painless subcutaneous swelling in head and neck region, accompanied by regional lymphadenopathy and frequent salivary gland enlargement. Blood and tissue eosinophilia, and elevated immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, are common associations. This study present a case of 20 year old male who presented with nodular swellings in the bilateral post auricular region. The diagnosis of KD was done based on characteristic histopathologic finding in conjunction with peripheral eosinophilia. A systematic multidisciplinary approach is mandatory to rule out the other common causes of post auricular lymphadenopathy. As a cervicofacial swelling that mimics malignancy, it is of high importance that otorhinolaryngologists be aware of this condition to provide early and appropriate treatment. The diagnosis of KD can be difficult and misleading and patients with this disease are often evaluated using avoidable procedures by just not being aware of KD.