Role of Cytology in Metastatic Malignancies to Lymph Node: 7 Years Retrospective Study in Western Indian Population.

Patil, Milind; More, Nilam; Naik, Leena

Background: Infective lymphadenopathy, particularly due to tuberculosis, is common in developing countries like India. However, a significant percentage of cervical lymphadenopathies are malignant. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) plays a crucial role in diagnosing and classifying metastatic malignancies, often aiding in identifying primary tumor sites through cytomorphological features. Methods: A retrospective-prospective study over seven years analyzed 2406 FNACs, of which 474 cases suspicious or positive for malignancy were included. Benign and inadequate samples were excluded. FNACs were performed on palpable and ultrasound-guided lymph nodes. Smears were stained with Giemsa and Pap stains, and follow-up histopathology was performed where feasible. Results: Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was the most common malignancy (62%), predominantly in males (70%). Cervical lymph nodes (82%) were the most frequent FNAC site, with oral cavity and oropharynx as common primary sites. Rare metastases included melanoma of the penis and urogenital malignancies. Misdiagnoses occurred in chronic sialadenitis with sialolithiasis. Conclusion:FNAC is an effective diagnostic tool for lymph node metastases, providing critical insights into primary sites. Awareness of cytomorphological patterns and clinical correlations enhances diagnostic precision, especially for rare malignancies.

LYMPHATIC metastasis; NEEDLE biopsy; LYMPH nodes; SQUAMOUS cell carcinoma; CYTOLOGY

Pravara Medical Review, 2024, Vol 16, Issue 4, p105

0975-0533

Academic Journal

10.36848/PMR/2024/444444.17899