Diagnostic value of fine needle aspiration cytology in metastatic lymphadenopathy

Introduction: Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a reliable and inexpensive diagnostic method in developing countries for the diagnosis of primary and secondary malignant disorders involving the lymph nodes. Aim: To study the role of FNAC in the diagnosis of suspected and unsuspected lymph node malignancies. Materials and Methods: A prospective study was done on all lymph node lesions over a period of three years in a tertiary care hospital. FNAC was performed with a 23 gauge needle; slides were prepared, stained and examined microscopically. Results: Out of 320 cases of lymph node FNACs, a total of 65 nodes were reported as "positive for metastasis. The most common subtype of metastatic malignant tumor was squamous cell carcinoma in 36 cases (55.38 %) followed by poorly differentiated carcinoma in 16 (24.61%), adenocarcinoma in 3 (4.61%), breast ductal Carcinoma in 3 (4.61%), papillary carcinoma thyroid in 3 (4.61%), nasopharyngeal carcinoma in 2 (3.01%), anaplastic carcinoma thyroid and malignant melanoma in 1 each (1.54 %). Majority (53.84%) of the patients belonged to the age group of 50-70 years with a male preponderance. Cervical group of lymph nodes were most Commonly involved. Conclusion: FNAC is a safe, rapid and accurate method for diagnosing metastatic lesions with good certainty. It confirms the presence of metastasis, gives a clue to the origin of primary tumor, prognosis as well as Management of patients for staging purposes.