From Reactive Hyperplasia to Neoplastic Changes: Histopathological Insights into Lymphadenopathy.

Abstract

Background: Inflammation, infection, autoimmune diseases, or malignancy can cause the abnormal proliferation of lymphocytes; therefore, clinicians should always take detailed history and physical examination to screen the patient for lymphadenopathy.

Objectives: The aim and objective of the current study was to assess the pattern of diseases causing lymphadenopathies in the Pakistani Population.

Methodology: The current study was a cross-sectional study. Data were obtained from existing patient records from Dow Diagnostic Research and Reference Laboratory [DDRRL]-Dow University of Health Sciences [DUHS] from Jan 2020 to Dec 2022. Patients undergoing chemotherapy and biopsies with poor preservation and inconclusive diagnosis were excluded from the study, while patients of any age, gender, and various sites of lymphadenopathy were included in this study. Ethical approval was obtained from the ethical Review Board [IRB] of Dow University of Health Sciences [DUHS].

Results: A total of 675 FNAC and lymph node biopsies of lymph nodes were obtained. Age, location, and gender were taken into consideration when analyzing the lymph node biopsy materials of these patients. There were 200 [29.62%] males and 475 [70.37%] females. The age range of the patients was 1 year to 80 years, and the mean [SD] age of the patients was 33.76 ± 17.54 years.

Conclusion: In the current study, we aim to provide guidance to the clinician on initial diagnostic laboratory testing, imaging, and the potential need for biopsy by evaluating the pattern of diseases causing lymphadenopathy in our population.