Cervical lymphadenopathy is a common clinical presentation in patients of all age groups, since the head and neck region is rich in lymphatics. A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted in all adult patients of either sex presenting with cervical lymph node enlargement to the Department of Otorhinolaryngology. Thorough clinical history and examination was done. Based on clinical history and findings (duration, Nature of progression, Size, Consistency, and Tenderness) patients were divided in to three groups: Nonspecific lymphadenitis, tubercular lymphadenitis, neoplastic lymphadenitis. FNAC was then done for all the patients and the results were compared with clinical diagnosis.
Out of the total number of 60 cases, in 4 cases sample obtained from FNAC were inadequate, hence only 56 cases were included. We made a clinical diagnosis of nonspecific cervical lymphadenopathy in 23 patients (41%), tuberculous lymphadenitis in 22 patients (39%), neoplastic nodes in 11 patients (20%). FNAC showed majority of the cases were non neoplastic type of which Reactive hyperplasia/ nonspecific lymphadenitis is 46%, 36% Tubercular lymphadenitis and only 18% neoplastic lymphadenitis. Clinicopathological correlation was done.
Clinical features is a very simple and effective means of obtaining clinical diagnosis early and can be used as screening tool to differentiate between non neoplastic and neoplastic lymphadenitis.
