Outcome of Excisional Cervical Lymph Node Biopsy

Abstract

Introduction: Lymphadenopathy is a common presentation at Pulmonology departments regarding the concerns of tuberculosis. However, it’s a clue of underlying malignancies as well, hence needing excisional biopsy for tissue diagnosis.  Objective: To determine the frequencies of various outcomes on excisional lymph node biopsy in cases presenting with cervical lymph adenopathy at the Department of Pulmonology, Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan. Study design; Cross sectional study. Setting; Department of Pulmonology, Sheikh Zayed Hospital, Rahim Yar Khan. Duration of study; October 2016 to April 2017. Sample size; In this study total 60 cases were enrolled. Sampling technique; Non probability consecutive sampling. Data collection procedure; In this study, 60 cases of both genders falling in the age group of 12 to 70 years presenting with cervical lymph node enlargement were enrolled. These cases then underwent surgical excision at the surgical department of the same institute. The outcomes were assessed at the Pathology department and the various outcomes were noted.  Results: In this study there were total 60 cases out of which 33 (55%) were males and 27 (45%) females with mean age of 34.22±11.21 years. On LN biopsy, TB was seen in 38 (63.33%) cases, metastatic malignancy in 14 (23.33%) cases, non-specific inflammation in 6 (10%) cases, and lymphoma in 2 (3.33%) cases. There was no significant difference in terms of age and gender in biopsy outcomes. However, the TB was seen significantly high in cases with soft consistency and malignancy in those with firm to hard one with p= 0.01. Conclusion: Tuberculosis is the commonest presentation of cervical lymphadenopathy in our territory and soft and rubbery consistency is significantly associated with this.