Iraqi Postgraduate Medical Journal

Abstract

ABSTRACT :
BACKGROUND:
Cervical lymphadenopathy is a common clinical problem that needs a prompt diagnosis to manage. FNAC plays an increasing role in the differentiation of its pathology. The aim of this study was to show the value of cytological examination in the assessment of cervical lymphadenopathy in relation to histopathological examination.
METHODS :
A prospective study where 50 randomly selected patients with cervical lymphadenopathy underwent fine needle aspiration cytology in the pathological department, college of medicine, Kufa university, for the period from Feb.2004 to Feb.2005.
RESULTS :
Non specific lymphadenitis was the common pathology in 20 patients (40%), followed by tuberculous lymphadenitis in 16 patients (32%), lymphoma in 22% and metastatic tumour in 12% of cases respectively.In 44 patients out of 50 the the pathology was confirmed histopathologically.
CONCLUSION :
It is proved by this study that FNAC play an important role in the diagnosis of cervical lymphadenopathy as accurate as histopathological examination.