Diagnostic utility of fine needle aspiration cytology in superficial lymphadenopathy in pediatric patients

Abstract

Background

Lymphadenopathy is one of the common clinical presentations in outdoor patient department, especially in pediatric age group. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the lymph nodes has become an integral part of initial diagnosis and management of patients. The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic utility of FNAC of lymph nodes and to study the spectrum of diseases in pediatric patients with superficial lymphadenopathy.

Methods

This study was carried out in Department of Pathology, Bhagat Phool Singh Government Medical College for Women, Khanpur Kalan, Sonepat from July 2012 to June 2015. A total of 217 cases of superficially palpable lymph nodes in pediatric age group (0-14 years) were included in this study.

Observation

In this study, M: F ratio is 1.4:1. Most common cause of lymphadenopathy was non-specific reactive hyperplasia 118 (54.88%) followed by granulomatous lymphadenitis 79 (36.74%), acute suppurative lymphadenitis 14(6.51%), and neoplastic 4 (1.86%). Among malignant group, all 4 cases are primary lymphoma. Male showed preponderance for reactive hyperplasia and suppurative lymphadenitis while tuberculous lymphadenitis was more common in females. Cervical group of lymph nodes were most frequently involved by all causes of lymphadenopathy.

Conclusion

FNAC is a simple, reliable, rapid and safe diagnostic modality for the etiologic workup in significant lymphadenopathy in children.