Spectrum of cytology findings in patients presenting with lymphadenopathy at tertiary health care centre in north Maharashtra region- A 2 year study

Abstract

Introduction: Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) was thought as a means to confirm a clinical suspicion of local recurrence or metastasis of known cancer without subjecting the patient to further surgical intervention. The role of FNAC is not limited to neoplastic conditions. The aim of present study is to evaluate various pattern of lymph lesion & various causes of lymphadenopathy. Materials and Methods: This is retrospective study of 380 patients with complaint of lymph node swellings of all age and sex. FNAC was done in all cases after maintaining aseptic precaution using 22-24 G needle attached to 05-20 ml syringe. Slides were stained with H&E stain and every slide of all the cases of lymphnadenopathies were examined. Finally cytological diagnosis made according to the cytomorphology of cells, etiology& clinical findings. Results: Out of 308 cases most common etiology of lymphadenopathy was found to be Tuberculous Lymphadenitis 37.37%, followed by reactive hyperplasia of lymph node 26.58%, Cold Abscess 13.16%, Malignancy 8.15%, Lympho-proliferative disorder 1.32% and least common was Necrotizing lymphadenitis 0.53%. Conclusion: Tuberculous Lymphadenitis is common in this region of Maharashtra, which can be effectively diagnosed by combination of FNAC, Ziehl-Neelsen stain and Cartridge Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test. FNAC has high accuracy rate to differentiate infective, non neoplastic conditions from neoplastic conditions. FNAC is a simple, safe, reliable, and inexpensive method in early detection of lymph node lesions, which has been proven in this study. Keywords: Fine needle aspiration cytology, Lymphoproliferative disorder, Reactive lymphadenitis, Tuberculous lymphadenitis.