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Persistent palpable cervical lymph nodes in Nigerian children.
1Burns and Plastic Unit, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.
Annals of Tropical Paediatrics
|September 1, 1988
Summary
Pediatric cervical lymphadenopathy requires histological examination for accurate diagnosis. Clinical assessment correlates well with tuberculosis, lymphoma, and metastasis, but poorly with sinus histiocytosis, necessitating biopsy before treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pathology
- Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Cervical lymphadenopathy is common in children.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of clinical assessment versus histological findings in pediatric cervical lymphadenopathy.
- To determine the common causes of palpable cervical lymph nodes in Nigerian children.
Main Methods:
- A 4-year study of 105 Nigerian children with palpable cervical lymph nodes.
- Comparison of initial clinical diagnoses with subsequent histological findings.
- Correlation analysis between clinical and histological diagnoses.
Main Results:
- Non-specific lymphadenitis (41%), tuberculosis (25.7%), lymphoma (17.1%), metastasis (8.6%), and sinus histiocytosis (7.6%) were diagnosed.
- Good clinical-histological correlation was observed for tuberculosis, metastasis, and lymphoma.
- Fair correlation was noted for chronic non-specific lymphadenitis, and poor correlation for sinus histiocytosis.
Conclusions:
- Histological examination is essential for diagnosing chronically enlarged cervical lymph nodes in children.
- Definitive treatment should be guided by histological findings.
- Early biopsy improves diagnostic accuracy and patient outcomes.