Role of FNAC in diagnosis of cervical lymphadenopathy

Abstract

Background:The incidence of lymphadenopathy appears to be increasing, especially among young adults all over the world. Frequent involvement of lymph node in regional and systemic diseases as well as their easy accessibility makesFNAC suitable tool for pathologists& clinicians. Inflammatory and immune reactions are the most frequent causes of lymph node enlargement and are self limiting in majority of cases. Lymphoid tissue undergoes reactive changes to a wide variety of antigenic stimuli. Tuberculosis, which is common in India, can be diagnosed by cytology of affected lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are also affected as a result of primary neoplasm of the node itself and from metastasis of malignant neoplasm from regional and distant organs. With the advent of FNAC, most of the inflammatory, reactive and neoplastic conditions can be diagnosed without biopsy. FNA isa helpful tool for taking decision regarding excision of node, distinguishing benign from malignant mass and deciding type of malignancy.It has the advantage that it can be done safely, rapidly and cheaply with minimal trauma at an outpatient setup or at the bedside. AIMs & Objectives:(1) To evaluate the role of FNAC in patients presenting with lymph node enlargement. (2)To find out the frequency of lymphadenopathy in different age groups. (3)To assess the distribution of various cytomorphological patterns of cervical lymphadenopathy; (4) To assess the age specific distribution of various cytomorphological patterns of cervical lymphadenopathy.

Cytological Findings of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology in Diagnosing Causes of Cervical Lymphadenopathy in Patients Attending Health Care Facilities of Janakpur, Nepal

“…The cervical lymphadenopathy can be found in patients arising from an early to advanced age [11]. Maximum number of cases in our study was in the age group 11-20 years which is comparable with those of Poudel A et al [3] and Patel KR et al [12]. In our study, the commonest diagnosis was reactive lymphadenitis followed by tubercular lymphadenitis which is in consonance with the study done by Shakya G et al [2], Poudel A et al [3], Sushama B et al [13] and Hirachand S et al [14].…”

Fine needle aspiration: a simple and handy tool to diagnose malignant lymphadenopathy

“…5 FNAC does not give same architectural details as histology but it can provide cells from the entire lesion as many passes through the lesion can be made while aspirating. 6 The aim of the present study is to highlight the role of FNAC of lymph node in the diagnosis of suspected and unsuspected malignancies.…”