Cervical lymphadenopathy: Fine needle aspiration biopsy versus surgical lymph node biopsy

ABSTRACT

Sixty-three patients with cervical Iymphadenopathy were investigated to compare the results of fine needle aspiration biopsy [FNAB] versus surgical lymph node biopsy [SLNB]. FNABs were sent for cytopathology and in 15 patients for microbiology. Adequate specimens with accurate diagnosis were obtained in 58 patients [92 percent]. Five cases [8 percent] could not be evaluated Seventeen patients [27 percent] were diagnosed as malignant cases whereas rest 41 patients [65 percent] had benign conditions. Accurately, reports for malignant tumors included metastatic epidermoid carcinoma, lymphoma and metastatic thyroid carcinoma. Among benign conditions accurate diagnosis was established in patients with tuberculosis chronic lymphadenitis and hyperplastic lymph nodes. The findings of FNAB were helpful in directing subsequent workup. Diagnostic accuracy of SLNB was 100 percent. It specifically established the definitive dianosis in lymphoma and inflammatory cases. Complications were not found in either procedures. It was concluded that FNAB can be relied on to diagnose malignant tumors as it is safe, minimally invasive and extremely cost-effective. SLNB may be necessary for lymphoma and inflammatory conditions