Evaluation of clinically Palpable Cervical Lymph Nodes by Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology, A Private Pulmo-Clinic Experience

Abstract

Background and Objective: Cervical lymphadenopathy is a common clinical problem. It is caused by invasion in to or propagation in the nodes of either inflammatory or neoplastic cells. The intent of this study was evaluation of clinically palpable cervical lymphadenopathy by FNAC and also to evaluate the usefulness of FNAC as a diagnostic tool in cases of cervical lymphadenopathy.Methodology: This descriptive study included 69 patients presenting with cervical lymphadenopathy. There was no age or gender limitations to participate. FNAC was done on all patients. The study was conducted in a private pulmo-clinic in Peshawar fromMarch 2013 to march 2015.Results: There were 27 (39.1 %) males and 42 (60.9 %) females. Mean age was 26.62 years 10.98 SD. Tuberculosis was the commonest diagnosis accounting for 49 (70 %), other diseases diagnosed were reactive hyperplasia 8 (11.6 %), suppurative lymphadenitis 5 (7.2 %), lymphoproliperative disorder 4 (5.8 %), lipoma 2 (2.9 %) and epidermal inclusion cyst 1 patient (1.4 %).Conclusions: Cervical TB lymphadenopathy is common disease in our society affecting younger population and FNAC is a useful and reliable initial diagnostic tool in the evaluation of lymph nodes.