Vol. 5, Issue 1, Part A (2023)

Introduction: Lymphadenopathy is one of the commonest clinical presentation. Considering the plethora of disease, it is essential to confirm whether lymph node lesion is neoplastic or non-neoplastic in order to decide further workup and management. Diagnostic lymph node biopsy from the most atypical node is performed which helps pathologist to reach diagnosis.

Materials and Methods: This was a hospital-based descriptive study with the objective to determine the histopathological spectrum of lymphadenopathy. Lymph node biopsies were subjected to detailed histopathological examination. Diagnosis was made on the basis of light microscopy, special histochemical stains and immunohistochemistry where ever applicable.

Results: Out of 60 cases, maximum cases were above 60 years with male to female ratio 1.1:1. Most common group for lymph node biopsy was cervical (52%) and least common was supraclavicular (3%). In our study, non-neoplastic and neoplastic lesions comprised of 60% (36 cases) and 40% (24 cases). Aetiology among the non-neoplastic lesions included non-specific reactive lymph node hyperplasia, tuberculous lymphadenitis and other granulomatous lesions while Non Hodgkin lymphoma, Hodgkin lymphoma and metastasis were the commonest cause in neoplastic lesions.

Conclusion: Infection remains an important cause of lymphadenopathy in clinical practice in developing countries. Non-specific reactive lymph node hyperplasia was predominant cause of lymphadenopathy in our study. The present study emphasize the importance of lymph node biopsy as a valuable diagnostic tool which provide an accurate and concise diagnosis in most of the cases and planning the management.