Tuberculosis – commonest Cause of Lymphadenopathy in developing Countries

Abstract

A three years retrospective study form 1^st January 1999 to 31^st December 2001 was undertaken to evaluate the incidence of tuberculous lymphadenopathy. A total number of 164 patients were studied. Tuberculosis remained the commonest being (52%) and rest had reactive hyperplasia (38%), primary neoplasm (5%) and metastatic lymph nodes (4%). Two patients had sinus histiocytosis. Age ranged between 6-65 yeas with mean of 32years. Cervical group was the most common (71%) submitted for histopathological examination. Lymphadenopathy commonly involved the female population (61%).