Cervical lymphadenopathies: A Retrospective Single-Center Analysis of Patients Undergoing Excisional Biopsy

The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate and compare cervical ultrasound findings, fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) results and excisional biopsy results in the diagnosis of patients presenting with cervical lymphadenopathy and to reveal the most common causes.

A total of 137 patients who underwent cervical ultrasonography and FNAB before excision were included in the study. Demographic data, cervical ultrasonographic findings, FNAB pathology results and final pathology results after excisional biopsy were analysed.

The pathological results indicated that reactive follicular hyperplasia was diagnosed in 33.6% (n=46) of the patients. A diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) was made in 27.7% (n=38) of cases, while 13.1% (n=18) were diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. Malignant pathology was diagnosed in 66 patients. In the FNAB results of patients diagnosed as malignant, 57 were interpreted as non-diagnostic and suspicious, while 9 were interpreted as benign. Of these, 8 had a pathological examination of lymph node excision that revealed non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), and in one patient with a benign FNAB result, the result of lymph node excision was reported as malignant.

Especially in cervical lymphadenopathies in patients over 40 years of age, the possibility of malignancy increases significantly. In lymphoproliferative diseases and in cases accompanied by clinical suspicion, it would be rational to use the direct excisional biopsy option. Although prior fine needle aspiration biopsy may provide significant guidance in metastatic diseases, it should be kept in mind that false negative rates may increase in the diagnosis and staging of lymphoma.