The diagnosis of adenitis primarily involves a comprehensive patient history and a thorough physical examination. During the physical examination, the physician will assess for enlarged lymph nodes. To determine the underlying cause, specifically to identify an infection, blood tests may be ordered. Further diagnostic imaging, such as ultrasound, X-ray, and computed tomography (CT) scans, may also be utilized. In specific or complex cases, especially to rule out malignancy (cancer), a biopsy of the lymph node tissue might be necessary. This biopsy can be performed either as a needle biopsy or through surgical excision of the entire lymph node.