Publication:

Proportion of malignancy in cervical lymphadenopathy

Background Cervical lymphadenopathy is a commonly encountered presenting complaint in out-patient departments. There are many reasons for cervical lymphadenopathy in a range spanning from benign through infective to malignant pathology. This study aims to find out the proportion of malignancy in such patients.

Methods 100 patients with cervical lymphadenopathy who fulfilled the criteria were included in the study from January 2015 to June 2016. Each patient underwent clinical examination and investigations including ESR, total count, fine needle aspiration cytology and biopsy.

Results Out of the 100 cases examined, 19 (19%) had malignancy. Among them, 6 (6%) had primary malignancy and 13 (13%) had secondary malignancy. 25 (25%) had tuberculous lymphadenopathy and 46 (46%) had reactive hyperplasia.

Conclusions There is significant incidence of malignancy in patients with cervical lymphadenopathy. The most common was metastatic lymph node from a primary malignancy. It is important to keep this in mind while evaluating a case of cervical lymphadenopathy.