Audit of lymph node biopsies in suspected cases of lymphoproliferative malignancies: implications on tissue diagnosis and patient management.

AIMS To carry out an audit ascertaining the importance of condition of lymph node specimen, submission of clinical history including site of biopsy and immunohistochemical studies on conclusiveness of diagnosis made. METHODOLOGY Computer records of the Aga Khan University Hospital, Histopathology Laboratory were used to analyze all cases of lymphoproliferative malignancies presented at the hospital from 1992 to 1998. RESULTS Out of a total of 466 cases studied, in 283 (61%) the lymph nodes were fragmented. The site of biopsy was mentioned in 361 (77.5%) cases with the cervical region forming the most common site (56.5%). A clinical history was submitted in 395 (85%) and a conclusive diagnosis was reached in 378 (81%) cases. CONCLUSION This audit indicates a strong co-relation between the condition of lymph node biopsies received, clinical history of the patient submitted including site of biopsy, ancillary studies like IHC performed on the eventual outcome in the form of precise diagnosis and categorization of lymphoproliferative malignancies.