Identification of The Common Causes of Pediatric Lymphadenopathy By Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology

Abstract

This is a descriptive study conducted in Khartoum State, during the period from October 2008 to March 2009. The objective of this study was to identify the common causes of pediatric lymphadenopathy by FNAC. One hundred specimens (aspirates) were collected from pediatric patients, younger than 15 years old, with lymph node enlargement at different body sites. The results showed predominance of benign lesions (90%). Among these, 64 (64%) were reactive nodes and 26 (26%) were granulomatous lymphadenitis. Malignant nodes constituted 10 % of the aspirates, among which non- Hodgkin`s lymphoma was ranking at the top (7%) followed by Hodgkin`s lymphoma (3%). This study showed that lymphomas are rare before 10 years of age. Thus performing fine needle aspiration is highly recommended before excision biopsy is taken. Further ancillary techniques should be implemented to disclose a differential diagnosis of lymphadenopathy.