Evaluation of Incidence, Distribution and Etiopathology of Cervical Lymphadenopathy in Patna Population
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Abstract
Background: The lymphatic system is a network of tissues and organs that eliminate toxins and other waste products from the body. The chief function of the lymphatic system is to transport lymph all through the body. Lympahdenopathy may be described as enlargement of the lymph node due to swelling of the histiocytes in the sinus, hyperplasia of lymph follicles or invasion of tumor cells. Cervical lymphadenopathy refers to cervical lymph nodes measuring more than 1 cm in diameter.
Objectives: The present study was conducted to evaluate the incidence of cervical lymphadenopathy and to describe the distribution of the various etiologies of cervical lymphadenopathy in all age groups.
Methodology: This study was conducted on 100 patients more than 12 years of age presenting to the O.P.D with neck swelling for more than 3 weeks. All the cases were confirmed histo-pathologically with FNAC of the involved node.
Results: A total of 100 subjects presenting with a complaint of neck swelling for more than 3 weeks were included in the study. All the subjects were between the age group of 14 years to 55 years. The present study comprised of 65 males and 35 females. 20 out of 100 were diagnosed with neoplastic nodes, whereas 80 were diagnosed with non-neoplastic nodes. In the non-neoplastic variety, majority of the patient’s had tuberculous lymphadenopathy, In the neoplastic variety, 06 had Hodgkin’s lymphoma, 04 had Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and 10 patients present with lymphadenitis associated with secondaries.
Conclusion: Cervical lymphadenopathy may pose a special challenge to the attending physicians. Sole dependence on clinical presentation may lead to flawed diagnosis. FNAC is a simple, secure, dependable and non-invasive procedure for diagnosis of cervical lymphadenopathy. Present study may act as foundation of awareness regarding distribution of lymphadenitis, their mode of presentation and predilection for different strata.