Node Assessment Program

About the Node Assessment Program 

The Node Assessment Program (NAP), a collaboration between Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, provides a multidisciplinary approach to the care of children with persistent swelling of the lymph nodes (or glands), a condition known as lymphadenopathy. Pediatric patients of all ages and their families have access to experts in the field, including otolaryngologists, surgeons, pathologists, hematologists/oncologists, infectious disease specialists and radiologists from the top-ranked pediatric hospital in the United States. The first of its kind in New England, the Node Assessment Program accepts referrals, second opinions, and consultations from physicians and families for children with lymphadenopathy that require further evaluation to establish cause, severity, and treatment. Conviently located in Waltham, Mass., about 15 miles from Boston, the program’s clinic is easily accessible to Routes 93, 95 and the Massachusetts Turnpike and is a full-service facility with free indoor parking, a cafeteria, and overnight facilities for patients.  

What is lymphadenopathy and how is it treated?

Lymph nodes are small clusters of cells, known as lymphocytes, which filter and circulate essential fluid throughout the body. As an essential part of the immune system, white blood cells within the lymph nodes help fight infection; lymphadenopathy occurs most often when viruses (such as the flu, a sore throat, or the common cold) or bacterial infections cause lymph nodes to swell or enlarge. Signs of lymphadenopathy include enlarged nodules that may be painless or may be tender.

Swollen lymph nodes (or swollen “glands”) are very common in children, of all ages, and the treatment is often observation after initial screening, laboratory and radiologic imaging studies. Our experts recommend that parents whose children present with persistent swelling and/or redness in their lymph node area for several weeks have them examined at the Node Assessment Program’s clinic.