Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology Aided by Skinfold Caliper in the Diagnosis of Lymphoadenopathy in the Tropics

Cervical lymph node proliferation have been associated with many tropical diseases that may not warrant lymphadenectomy or unguided needle aspiration nowadays. Most palpable cervical lymph nodes in the tropics investigated by fine needle aspiration cytology and have proved to be lymphadenitis. In seven years are 222 patients that had cervical lymph node enlargement and/or multiples were investigated for size with skin fold caliper and aspirated with mounted 23 gauge needle on 2ml/ 5mlhypodermic plunger. Occurring was 55.4% male of age range 25 to 46 years, and 44.6% female whose age were 8 to 56 years. Of both sexes were 10% diagnosed of Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) of 3 years duration manifestation and were apparently healthy with enlarged and multiple cervical lymph nodes. The texture of nodes varied inconsistency and firm nodes were dominant. Clinically confirmed ill-health patients were 91.4% of 222, and have had multiple visits while 8.6% were on their first visit but because of size and/or number of nodes occurring were aspirated. Of the 6 age group that occurred, 20 – 29 and 30 – 39 were most and more involved respectively showing also in the same position of multiple numbers of nodes occurrence. Largest node was found in 8 years old girl which age group was of less number of nodes. Eight disease conditions were present with 8 years 6 months highest duration prior to investigation. Bilateral side neck node occurrence is 80 cases and, 110 and 32 appeared laterally right and left respectively. In-situ size of node to gross of node was 3:2 dominating while cervical skin fold versus lymph node skin fold plateau was inconsistent and present bizarre ratio of no disease significance. Cyto-morphological findings were specific for varying degrees of inflammation, and acellular slides were found prevalent with seven of the diseases.