Utility of Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology in Diagnosis of Lymphadenopathy

Abstract

Introduction: Abnormal shape, size, and consistency of the lymph node constitute lymphadenopathy. The etiology of lymphadenopathy varies from reactive to malignancy. It is the significant manifestation of local and systemic ailments specially an occult malignancy. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a simple, reliable initial diagnostic modality. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study from January 2005 to December 2017. The lesions were classified into reactive lymphadenopathy, granulomatous lymphadenitis, necrotizing lymphadenitis, suppurative lymphadenitis, lymphoma, and metastatic lesions. Primary organ was identified in available cases of metastatic lesions. Cytological and histopathological correlation was done in available cases. Results: A total of 3676 cases were retrieved constituting 16% of total FNAC performed during the study, females outnumbered the male. Most of the cases were observed in the age of 21–30 years. Cervical lymph nodes were the common site of involvement (88.8%). Among the benign lesions, granulomatous (40%) was most common followed by reactive (39%). Metastatic lymphadenopathy (13%) was the most common malignant lesion. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common metastatic tumor followed by adenocarcinoma. The lung was the most common primary organ. FNAC is having high sensitivity and specificity for malignant lesions than the benign. Conclusion: FNAC is a rapid, initial diagnostic tool for lymphadenopathy. It is an effective tool to differentiate inflammatory, benign, and malignant lesions.