[Diagnostic significance of multinuclear giant cells in lymph node fine needle aspiration]

Enlarged lymph nodes, commonly seen in inflammatory or tumorous conditions, is often suspected as Hodgkin's disease in cytologic diagnosis. Twenty cases originally diagnosed as Hodgkin's disease by fine needle aspiration of lymph nodes are reported. Eighteen of these 20 cases were checked by histopathology. It was found that only 3 had reached the correct diagnosis. The authors believe that by thorough understanding of the origin and characteristics of various types of multinuclear giant cells, differentiation from Hodgkin's disease is possible.