Comparison of FNAC vs Excision Biopsy for suspected Tuberculous Cervical Lymphadenopathy

Abstract

Although Excision Biopsy has traditionally been required to diagnose cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis tine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) has also been found to be useful. This prospective study presents the comparison of FNAC vs Excision Biopsy for suspected tuberculous cervical lymphadenitis in 100 consecutive. The aim and objective of the study was to determine whether FNAC is helpful in diagnosing tuberculous cervical lymphadenopathy thus avoiding Excision Biopsy. Patients between 5-70 years of age with suspected tuberculous lymphadenitis were included. Among these 62% were female and 38% were male 74% belong to poor class and 26% to middle class. 86%, were having history of immunization again tuberculosis with BCG. While 14% had no such history. The neck swelling was present in all 100 patients with some percentage of associated symptoms. The FNAC was positive for tuberculosis in 80 (80%) patients and Excision Biopsy in 94(94%) patients. Excision Biopsy was more sensitive than FNAC (94% vs 80%) in diagnosing tuberculous cervical lymphadenopathy. So it was concluded that FNAC is a safe alternative to Excision Biopsy and it should be recommended as first line and Excision Biopsy as second line investigation only if results of FNAC are negative.