Clinicopathological Study of Cervical Tubercular Lymphadenopathy at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi

Introduction: Tuberculosis is one of the major public health problems in India and most of the other developing countries. Tuberculosis is most common cause of death world over. The deadly synergy between Mycobacterium tuberculosis and AIDS has resulted in resurgence of tuberculosis world over. Tuberculosis is still considered a social disease; it reflects the standard of living in the community. Cervical lymphadenopathy caused by many conditions, both infective and noninfective. Out of these, tuberculosis contributes for most of the cases; hence, to tackle the commonest cause the present study was undertaken. Material and Method: The prospective study population consisted of patients above 15 years are clinically diagnosed as cervical tubercular lymphadenitis. Patients was examined systematically giving due importance to local examination. After clinical diagnosis, further investigations were done for the confirmation of diagnosis. Treatment instituted appropriately and follow up done. Results: Majority of cases in the study who were diagnosed clinically as cervical tubercular lymphadenitis were confirmed as tubercular by FNAC. Histopathological examination was done for cases wherever FNAC was inconclusive. Presence of constitutional symptoms had limited significance. Cervical lymph nodes group of Level-IV was most commonly affected. Variable results were noted among the groups of lesion, with regard to characteristics like size, number, laterality, levels, mobility, matting, Caseation etc. FNAC by virtue of it being inexpensive, easy to perform and quick in getting a results, is one of the important and essential diagnostic procedures. Conclusion: Tuberculosis is an important disease, one of the commonest disease affecting lymph nodes. A constitutional symptom in cervical tubercular lymphadenitis has limited significance and clinical behavior can be highly variable. FNAC considered as frontline investigation with further investigations based on FNAC result. However, histopathological examination remains the most dependable diagnostic tool. Surgical intervention is definitely required in many cases, though; most of the cases are medically curable. Cervical tubercular lymphadenopathy is an important disease to reckon and always calls for meticulous attention, analysis and treatment.