ABSTRACT
To find out the pathology of enlarged lymph nodes, their clinical presentation, diagnosis and treatment. Descriptive study. Surgical Department, Sindh Govt Lyari General Hospital, Karachi. Total number of patients studied were 400 [262females, 138 males]. Male tofemale ratio was 1:1.89. Most of the patients were in younger age group. 40% were in the second decade, followed by 3rd decade, 23.2%. Majority had history of lump [92.5%], low gradefever [50.0%], cold abscess [49.25%], cough [48.0%], non healing ulcer [22.5%], discharging sinuses [21.5%], anorexia and weight loss [18.25%]. Associated pulmonary tuberculosis was present in few cases. Commonest group of lymph nodes affected were cervical, 74.5% followed by axillary lymph nodes 10.5%. Pathology found was tuberculosis 63% followed by reactive changes 11.25%, chronic non specific lymphadenitis 10.50%, non Hodgkin lymphoma 6.25%, Hodgkin's disease 5.50% and metastatic carcinoma 3.50%. This study concludes that highest number of patients were in the second decade with female predominance. Commonest pathology noticed was tuberculosis followed by non specific lymphadenitis