Spectrum of lymph node lesions on FNAC in SIMS, Hapur and SMC, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh

To study the frequency of various lymph node lesions in all age groups and their cytohistological correlation.

To compare the frequency of involvement of different lymph node sites.

The material was obtained from 530 outdoor and indoor patients of all age groups attending the cytology laboratory of Saraswati Medical College, Hapur and Santosh Medical College,Ghaziabad from Jan 2010 to June 2010.

Peripheral lymph nodes were aspirated using 22G needle attached to 20 ml disposable syringe. The aspirated material was expressed onto slides and smears prepared, air dried and stained with May Grunwald Giemsa (MGG) stain.Wherever needed, alcohol fixed smears were prepared and stained by Papani Colaou (PAP) method. Also, Ziehl Neelsen staining for performed for demonstration of acid fast bacilli (AFB).

All the cases of malignancy were confirmed by Histopathological examination.

The most frequent diagnosis on FNA was tuberculosis in all groups (52.2%), followed by reactive hyperplasia (38.9%). Cervical lymph nodes were involved most frequently in all lymphoid lesions followed by inguinal lymph nodes. Blood mixed aspirates were most common followed by caseous material and then pus.

FNAC is a useful, minimally invasive first line investigation to evaluate lymphadenopathy. An early diagnosis on FNA allows clinicians to plan and institute appropriate treatment in most cases.