Peripheral lymphadenopathy in Nigerian adults.

OBJECTIVE To review the pathology of lymph node disorders in adults with primary peripheral lymphadenopathy. METHODS A 20-year (1985-2004) retrospective study of lymph node biopsies at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. RESULTS Of the 427 lymph node biopsy specimens received, 238 (55.7%) were from males and 189 (44.3%) from females. Localized lymphadenopathy was observed in 380 (89%) cases. Cervical lymphadenopathy predominated comprising 250 (58.5%) cases. Tuberculosis lymphadenitis and metastatic disease were the major causes of lymph node enlargement constituting 114 (26.7%) and 113 (26.5%) cases respectively. While tuberculosis was commonest in young adult females (15-24 years old) and rare above the age of 45 years, metastatic disease was the predominant cause of lymph node enlargement above 45 years. Non Hodgkin's lymphoma and Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) constituted 69 (16.2%) and 43 (10.1%) cases respectively. HL occurred mostly in young adult males presenting with cervical lymphadenopathy (peak-age = 15-24 years). Non specific lymphadenitis and onchocerciasis comprised 81 (19.0%) and 4 (0.9%) cases respectively. Kaposi's sarcoma, cat scratch disease and sarcoidosis constituted one case each. CONCLUSION The pattern of disease is similar to that of other third world countries.