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Updated: Aug 8, 2026
Isolation of Murine Lymph Node Stromal Cells
Published on: August 19, 2014
Lymph node cytology
Rick L Cowell1, Karen E Dorsey, James H Meinkoth
1Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Oklahoma State University, 250 McElroy Hall, Stillwater, OK 74078-2007, USA. rlcowel@okstate.edu
Insights
Lymph node cytology is a quick and effective method for diagnosing enlarged lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy). This technique, using fine-needle aspiration biopsy, provides valuable diagnostic information when lymph nodes are abnormal.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Medicine
- Cytopathology
Background:
- Lymphadenopathy, or enlarged lymph nodes, can indicate various underlying conditions.
- Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the utility and ease of lymph node cytology in diagnosing lymphadenopathy.
- To provide guidance on optimal sampling techniques for lymph node evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Cytologic samples obtained via fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) or nonaspiration fine-needle biopsy.
- Imprints or scrapings from surgically removed or necropsied lymph nodes.
Main Results:
- Lymph node cytology is a rapid, straightforward, and informative diagnostic procedure.
- Effective for evaluating single, multiple, or generalized lymphadenopathy.
Conclusions:
- Lymph node cytology is an excellent diagnostic tool for lymphadenopathy.
- Sampling multiple enlarged nodes and selecting appropriate sites (away from inflammation) improves diagnostic yield.
- Cytology is not beneficial when lymph nodes are not enlarged.
Abstract:
Lymph node cytology is quick, easy, and rewarding. Cytologic samples of peripheral and/or internal lymph nodes may be collected by fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) or nonaspiration fine-needle biopsy techniques. In addition, imprints or scrapings may be made from lymph nodes that have been surgically removed or at necropsy. Lymph node cytology is an excellent way to evaluate a lymphadenopathy whether it is a single node enlarged, multiple nodes enlarged, or a generalized lymphadenopathy. If multiple lymph nodes are enlarged, more than one should be sampled. A lymph node away from the mouth or any site of inflammation should be aspirated as well as any lymph node close to a site of inflammation. Generally, if no lymph nodes are enlarged, lymph node cytology is not helpful.
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