Evaluation of Clinical, Cytological, and Histomorphological Features of Pediatric Lymphadenopathy

Abstract

Background: Lymphadenopathy in children is a common clinical finding that may indicate various underlying conditions, including infections, malignancies, and autoimmune diseases. Evaluating lymph nodes through clinical, cytological, and histomorphological assessments is essential for accurate diagnosis and management.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the clinical presentations, cytological features, and histomorphological characteristics of lymph nodes in children with lymphadenopathy.

Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Pathology at a tertiary care hospital over a period of one year. A total of 40 pediatric patients aged 1 to 15 years with lymphadenopathy were included. Clinical data were collected, followed by fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the lymph nodes. The excised lymph nodes were examined histologically for definitive diagnosis.

Results: Out of 40 patients, 24 (60%) had reactive lymphadenopathy, while 16 (40%) had neoplastic conditions. The most common cytological finding was reactive hyperplasia, while histopathological evaluation revealed the majority to be non-Hodgkin lymphoma in the neoplastic group.

Conclusion: A comprehensive evaluation of lymphadenopathy in children through clinical, cytological, and histomorphological methods aids in accurate diagnosis and appropriate management.

Keywords: Lymphadenopathy, children, fine-needle aspiration cytology, histopathology, reactive lymphadenopathy.