Utility of FNAC as a Diagnostic Role in Lymphadenopathy Cases of Different Age Groups

Abstract

Background: Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a simple diagnostic tool to diagnose causes of lymphadenopathy. The cytologic patterns of lymph node fine needle aspirations (FNAs) show signs of a wide variation in different diseases. In the present study, we study the cytologic patterns of lymph node sequence of different age groups. Methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of Pathology, GSVM Medical College, Kanpur. The total number of cases 1681 with lymphadenopathy was taken for this study. Routine investigations, which included complete blood counts, biochemical tests, X-Ray chest (PA View), Ultrasound/ CT scan (If indicated). FNAC was done and the slides were stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin stain, Giemsa stain and Ziehl-Neelsen stain (if indicated). Results: In the present study, the commonest site of involvement was the cervical lymph node 1196 (71.15%). Overall benign lesions were 1575 (93.69%) and malignant lesions 106 (6.31%). In benign lesions, Tubercular lymphadenitis was the most frequently encountered lesion 934 (55.56%) followed by reactive hyperplasia 310 (18.44%). FNAC is a simple procedure and no hospitalization or anaesthesia is required. Conclusion: FNAC is a safe, inexpensive repeatable and rapid procedure in which no anaesthesia is required. FNAC is useful as an outdoor diagnostic procedure because of early diagnosis in comparison to histopathological diagnosis.