Cytological patterns of cervical lymphadenopathy as seen at Makerere Pathology Laboratory of Makerere University

Abstract

Introduction: Cervical lymphadenopathy is one of the most common presentations that are seen in patients. The causes of cervical lymphadenopathy are many and they include viral infection, bacterial infection, tuberculosis, malignancies, mestasis, lymphoma to mention but a few. Fine needle aspiration is one of the methods used in the diagnosis of cervical lymphadenopathy. It is simple, safe and less invasive unlike procedures like open biopsy.

Methods and materials: The study was conducted on patients who presented with cervical lymphadenopathy in the Makerere Medical School Pathology Department. Results: Patients who were most affected belonged to the age group 21 -30. Tuberculosis was the major cause of cervical lymphadenopathy in patients who presented with it.

Conclusion: Fine needle aspiration is an efficient but simple technique that is used in cervical lymphadenopathy diagnosis.