The most common manifestation of mycobacterial infection encountered in otolaryngologic practice is cervical lymphadenitis. Mycobacterial cervical lymphadenitis, or scrofula, remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge because it mimics other pathologic process and because of the consistent reliability of physical and laboratory findings. Fifteen cases of tuberculous cervical lymphadenitis were treated with selective neck dissection and postoperative anti-tuberculous medication (12-18 months) during recent 5-years, we obtained favorable results. 1) Twelve cases had nodes in the posterior triangle, four cases had bilateral and positive chest X-ray was exhibited by four patients. Skin test was positive in eight patients; AFB stain and culture was positive in three and six respectively. Histologic examination was the most reliable test with 100% positive specimens. 2) Selective neck dissection was done on 15 patients; supraomohyoid neck dissection (4), lateral neck dissection (2) and posterolateral neck dissection (9) were performed. Postoperative complications were hypertrophic scar in five, shoulder syndrome in one and there was no recurrence until now. Selective neck dissection provides a rapid tissue diagnosis, shortens hospitalization, carries low morbidity and reduce recurrence.