Normal lymph nodes in the neck are usually less than 1 cm in length. Infections involving the pharynx, salivary glands, and scalp often cause tender enlargement of neck nodes. Indeed, enlarged nodes are common in HIV-infected persons. Except for the occasional node that suppurates and requires incision and drainage, treatment is directed against the underlying infection. An enlarged node (larger than 1.5 cm) or node with a necrotic center that is not associated with an obvious infection should be evaluated further especially if the patient has a history of prior cancer, alcohol use, or smoking. Other common indicators for FNA biopsy of a node include its persistence or continued enlargement. On the other hand, common causes of cervical adenopathy include squamous cell carcinoma, lymphoma, occasional metastases from non-head and neck sites, and infection. While rare, adenopathy can also be caused by Kikuchi disease and autoimmune adenopathy.