Evaluation of Cervical Lymphadenopathy by Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology: A Study at a Government Hospital of Uttarakhand, India

Background: Cervical Lymphadenopathy is one of the most common clinical presentation affecting all age groups. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of lymph node is a quick, reliable, cost effective technique and can be used as first line diagnostic test easily carried out in OPD and can be readily used to differentiate between various benign and malignant conditions. Aims and objectives: This study was conducted with the aim to estimate the overall incidence, demographic profile and various causes responsible for cervical lymphadenopathy in Northern region of the country. Material and method: A retrospective analysis has been carried out in the department of pathology between December 2011 to December2015 at Government Doon Hospital, Dehradun. FNAC was done on a total of 3552 patients for various indications out of which 1018 patients were selected for the study who presented with cervical lymphadenopathy. Result: Total 1018 cases of cervical lymphadenopathy were studied. Out of total cases presented with cervical lymphadenopathy 625 cases were of tuberculosis 335 cases reactive lymphadenopathy, 53 were metastatic, 3 were lymphoma. Maximum numbers of cases were 0-20 years age group. Males were more than the females Squamous cell carcinoma was the commonest type of metastasis to cervical lymph nodes. Conclusion: The study concluded the fact that the Tuberculosis is the most common cause of cervical lymphadenopathy followed by reactive lymphadenopathy. FNAC give very important clue to the diagnosis among patientspresented with cervical lymphadenopathy particularly in differentiating benign from malignant conditions.