Cytohistopathological evaluation of the cervical lymph nodes by fine needle aspiration cytology

Abstract

Aims and Objective: To determine the diagnostic accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in cervical lymphadenopathy along with the histopathological examination of the excised lymph node as gold standard. Materials and Methods: A total of 35 patients with cervical lymphadenopathy were included in the study. Informed consent was obtained from the patients, and FNAC of lymph node was performed. Later, the same lymph node was removed under local anesthesia for histopathological examination. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and diagnostic efficacy were calculated for both the modalities. Results: The age of patients ranged from 2.5 years to 65 years with a mean of 32.5 years. FNAC findings showed a sensitivity of 89.5%, specificity of 100%, positive predictive value of 100%, negative predictive value of 90.5%, and diagnostic efficacy of 91%. Conclusion: FNAC is a reliable, safe, and accurate test as a first line for evaluation of cervical lymphadenopathy. As the statistical values in the present study show a high degree of diagnostic accuracy, it indicates the clinical utility of FNAC in cervical lymph nodes.