Purified protein derivative: the vital part of the cervical tuberculous adenitis diagnosis

The purpose of this study was to review the diagnostic procedures for tuberculous cervical adenitis (TCA) and state the most valuable diagnostic protocol. Patients and methods Fifty-eight patients who presented with progressive, painless, enlarging neck masses and were diagnosed with TCA between 1988 and 1998 at Beyoglu Hospital, Istanbul, were retrospectively reviewed.

The chest roentgenograms were normal in all patients. The purified protein derivative skin testing was positive in every case. The fine needle aspiration biopsy was consistent with mycobacterial infection in 27 (46%) of 58 cases, and biopsy results correctly diagnosed TCA in all masses excised.

Tuberculosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of the neck masses. Purified protein derivative with detailed history and physical examination should be the first step in the diagnosis.