To study the diagnostic role of fine needle aspiration biopsy cytopathology in lymph node lesions and to find out the pattern of lymphadenopathy among patients visiting Tertiary care hospital: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) can be a valuable tool for the evaluation of lymphadenopathies. The purpose of this study was to study the diagnostic role of FNAC in lymph node lesions and to find out the pattern of lymphadenopathy among patients visiting Tertiary care hospital. Fine needle aspiration biopsy cytopathology was carried out. Giemsa staining of all FNAC smears was done and Ziehl-Neelsen staining (ZN Stain) was done to confirm the diagnosis if required. Lymph nodes were evaluated for location, consistency, size, mobility. Commonest site involved was cervical region (91.38%), most frequently encountered size was 1 - 2 cm (35.64%), majority of lesions were firm (87.35%), and most of the lymph nodes (95.40%) were mobile. Out of 166 diagnosed cases by FNAC, 95.78% were diagnosed as benign lesions and 4.22% as malignant lesions. 30.72% benign lesions were of reactive hyperplasia and 27.11% were of granulomatous lymphadenitis. All malignant lesions were the secondary lesions. We conclude that FNAC of lymph nodes is a very common, simple, safe, economical, and quick diagnostic technique that eliminates the need for an open biopsy, anesthetic, surgical complications, and hospital stays.