Analysis of FNAC of cervical lymph nodes: Experience over a two years period

Abstract

Background: Cervical lymphadenopathy is a common clinical presentation across patients of all age group. The aetiology may range from a benign nonspecific inflammation to lymphoproliferative disorders and metastatic malignancy. Aims & Objective: The present study was undertaken to study non neoplastic and neoplastic lesions of enlarged lymph nodes by Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in patients presenting with cervical lymphadenopathy referred to cytopathology department from the OPD/IPD of Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad over a period of two years (November 2011 to November 2013). Materials and Methods: A total of 2018 patients were subjected to FNAC of cervical lymph nodes over two years period (November 2011 to November 2013). Since in 113 patients, either the aspirate was inadequate or the opinion equivocal, the remaining 1905 cases were analysed. Results: Overall tuberculous lymphadenitis was the most common finding (898/1905, 46%), followed by reactive hyperplasia (624/1905, 33%). Malignant pathology accounted for 16% (306/1905) of cervical lymph node enlargement, most of which was due to metastatic squamous cell carcinoma (179/306, 58%). Conclusion: FNAC is an excellent first line of investigation and when used with a proper combination of experience and diligence, it can efficiently help at arriving in exact diagnosis.