Review of lymph node biopsies: medical ward; Kamuzu Central Hospital; 1985-1988

ABSTRACT

A descriptive study of lymph node biopsies done on the medical ward of Kamuzu Central Hospital [KCH] in Lilongwe between 1985-1988 was undertaken to describe the histological diagnosis; the site of the lymph node biopsy; the sex; and age of the individual. There were 53 biopsies; 27 (51 percent) were tuberculosis [TB] adenitis; 10 (19 percent) were reactive nodes (? viral infection); 8 (15 percent) were Kaposi's Sarcoma; 7 (13 percent) were lymphoma or leukemia and one was normal. Kaposi's Sarcoma occured more significantly in males than females. TB adenitis was most frequently in the age group 21-40 years and it mostly occured in the cervical area. Further study may reveal a clinically useful relationship between lymph adenopathy; the various diagnosis and HIV status for the purposes of diagnosis and management