Fine needle aspiration cytopathology of pediatric lymphadenopathy among Sudanese children
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Published on: August 7, 2019
Hussain Gadelkarim Ahmed1, Maysa Badawi Elmubasher, Rashid Awad Abdallah Salih
1Department of Histopathology and Cytology, University of Khartoum, Khartoum, Sudan. hussaingad1972@yahoo.com
Insights
Fine needle aspiration (FNA) identified common cytopathological patterns in Sudanese children with lymphadenopathy. Benign conditions were most frequent, but lymphoma remains a significant concern.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pathology
- Cytopathology
- Oncology
Background:
- Pediatric lymphadenopathy presents diagnostic challenges due to the high prevalence of benign conditions alongside the constant concern for malignancy.
- Accurate cytopathological evaluation is crucial for effective management of pediatric lymphadenopathy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the common cytopathological patterns of lymphadenopathy in pediatric patients in Sudan.
- To assess the diagnostic utility of fine needle aspiration (FNA) in this population.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study included 100 pediatric patients (ages 2-14) with peripheral lymphadenopathy.
- Demographic data, clinical findings, and FNA specimens were collected and analyzed.
- Cytopathological analysis was performed on all FNA samples.
Main Results:
- Fine needle aspiration (FNA) was successfully performed in all 100 cases with no complications and adequate specimens.
- The study revealed a high rate of benign lesions (90%), predominantly reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (64%) and benign granulomatous disease (26%).
- Malignant diagnoses accounted for 10% of cases, with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (7%) and Hodgkin's lymphoma (3%) being identified.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric lymphadenopathy is a frequent condition in Sudan, with cervical lymphadenopathy being the most common site.
- Lymphoma represents a significant diagnostic and management challenge in Sudanese children presenting with lymphadenopathy.
Background:
Pediatric lymphadenopathy is a challenging medical situation for the child patient, the parents, and the physician. Although the bulk of masses will be benign the fear of malignancy is omnipresent. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify the common cytopathological patterns of lymphadenopathy among Sudanese children.
Methods:
One hundred pediatric patients presenting with peripheral lymphadenopathy were included in the study, their ages ranging from 2 to 14 years, with a mean age of 7 years. Demographic characteristics, clinical manifestations and FNA materials were prospectively obtained.
Results:
FNA was performed in 100 cases (100%). There were no technical complications. All cases confirmed adequacy of specimen. Overall, FNA demonstrated 90 (90%) benign lesions and 10 (10%) malignant diagnosis. The benign lesions were reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (n=64), followed by benign granulomatous disease (n=26). Of the 10 cases diagnosed with malignancy, 7 (7%) were cases of non-Hodgkin`s lymphoma and the remaining 3 (3%) were Hodgkin's lymphomas.
Conclusion:
Pediatric lymphadenopathy is common in Sudan. CLA is the common frequent site. Lymphoma represents a major challenge in this setting.
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