Understanding pediatric cervicofacial non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection.

Cervicofacial non-tuberculous mycobacterial infection should be a part of the differential diagnosis for immunocompetent children ages 1 to 5 years who present with painless submandibular or preauricular lymphadenopathy. Although a benign and self-limiting disease, patients can develop a chronically draining fistula if not diagnosed and treated promptly. The diagnostic process can be managed with a combination of microbiological studies, cytology, laboratory tests, and imaging studies.