LYMPH NODE BIOPSY: SPECTRUM AND CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE AS DIAGNOSTIC TOOL AT TERTIARY CARE CENTRE

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Lymph node biopsy is an important tool for diagnosis,staging & prognosis determination. This study was undertaken to determine the histo- pathological spectrum of lymphadenectomies at a tertiary care Centre at Rajasthan. METHODS: In a cross sectional observational study, 573 histologically diagnosed lymph node biopsies from January 2008 to December 2012 were reviewed. The patient's history, clinical features & definite pathologic findings were reviewed. RESULTS: 573 patients (Male 306, Females 267) maximum biopsies were cervical (53.5%), Axillary (22.8%). Overall biopsies revealed TB (63.3%), Chronic Non Specific Lymphadenitis (13.4%), Reactive Hyperplasia (6.4%) & Lymphoproliferative disorder (2%).76 patients were suspected to have Metastatic lesion clinically, but it was found in 29(5.06%) on histological evaluation. Tubercular lymphadenitis was the commonest diagnosis in all age groups. CNSL (20.6%) was commonest in 1-20 years, Metastatic (15.3%) in 61-80 years. CONCLUSION: Lymph node biopsy plays an important role in establishing the cause of lymphadenopathy. Tubercular lymphadenitis is the commonest finding in spectrum of diseases affecting lymph nodes from this region.