Pharyngitis usually cannot cause lymphadenitis behind the ear, but in rare cases, if the pharyngitis condition is not controlled in time, it can spread to the surrounding tissues and cause lymphadenitis behind the ear.
The pharynx includes: nasopharynx, oropharynx and laryngopharynx. Inflammation in different regions such as lymphadenitis, mostly follow the characteristics of lymphatic distribution and reflux. Retropharyngeal lymphadenitis is usually caused by purulent diseases of the head, neck and ear.
1. Nasopharynx: Lymph from this region first converges into the retropharyngeal lymph nodes located in the retropharyngeal space, then into the upper deep lateral cervical lymph nodes, then into the lower deep lateral cervical lymph nodes or directly into the cervical trunk. The lymph nodes belonging to the pharyngeal tonsils are located deep between the mastoid process and the ascending mandible.
2. Oropharynx: Lymph from this region converges laterally into the mandibular angle lymph node, which receives lymph from the nasopharynx in addition to the oropharynx. The above lymphatic drainage flows into the deep cervical lymph nodes, and also into the prevertebral lymph nodes of the ipsilateral or contralateral deep cervical lymph nodes.
3. Laryngopharynx: The lymphatic vessels of the laryngopharynx pass through the thyroglossal periosteum into the deep cervical lymph nodes. The pyriform fossa and a portion of the laryngopharyngeal lymphatics then pass through the prevertebral lymph nodes and into the lateral upper cervical deep lymph nodes.
In a few cases, if the pharyngitis condition is not controlled in time, it may lead to the spread of inflammation to other surrounding tissues, which may result in painful inflammation of the lymph nodes, and may increase the incidence of diseases such as cellulitis.
If pharyngitis patients find lymph node inflammation behind the ear, they can actively consult a doctor for a systematic examination to clarify the diagnosis and cause of the disease, so as not to delay the condition.