Role of FNAC in cytological diagnosis of metastatic lymph node.

ABSTRACT

Background: FNAC not only confirms the presence of metastatic disease, but also gives the clue regarding the nature and origin of primary malignancy Aim and objective: To Assess the usefulness of FNAC in diagnosis of metastatic lymph node. Data were arranged according to lymph node involved and morphological diagnosis. Study design: Study material comprises of 56 lymph node aspirate diagnosed metastatic carcinoma in cytology out of total 383 cases of Lymphnode aspiration in a one year. Method: All FNACs were performed using a 22 gauge needle. An average minimum of 4 slides were made, Slides were routinely stained with both leishmann, Giemsa and Papanicolaou (PAP) stains. Results: Out of total 383 lymph node aspirate 56 cases showed metastasis Lymphnode while 327 cases showed other lesion of lymph node. Cervical lymph node was the commonest group involved. Metastasis from squamous cell carcinoma was the most common diagnosis made on cytology. Conclusion: In our study we feel that FNAC of lymph nodes as a first line of investigation in developing countries. It is not only useful in the diagnosis of suspected or unsuspected metastatic neck nodes, but can also help in starting the specific therapy in time thus reducing mortality and morbidity.