Histopathological study of lymph node biopsy

Abstract

Introduction: Clinically Lymph node enlargement is one of the commonest presentations of patients seen in primary settings. It is essential to confirm the lymph node lesion and to identify the cause to decide whether it is within or outside the normal limits, to plan appropriate treatment modality.
Method: The present study was a prospective and observational (non interventional) type of study. Total 100 numbers of patients from February 2011 till March 2012 were recruited. All excised lymph node specimens received in the Department of Pathology SBKS MI and RC, Piparia constituted the study material. The specimens were subjected to detailed histopathological examination. In each case, pathological reaction pattern was studied carefully and documented.
Results: Out of total 100 cases, 51% cases were non specific reactive hyperplasia, 24% cases were granulomatous lymphadenitis, 2% cases were lymphoma and 23% cases were of metastatic lymph node. Most common type of metastasis was found out to be squamous cell carcinoma, followed by infiltrating ductal carcinoma, followed by metastatic adenocarcinoma. Cervical lymph nodes were most commonly biopsied group of lymph nodes in our study.
Conclusion: In present study the most common cause of lymph node biopsy was Non specific reactive hyperplasia followed by granulomatous lymphadenitis. Among neoplastic lesions metastatic lymph node disease accounted for maximum number of cases.