Özet:

Objective: Lymphadenopathy may be the first symptom of many diseases. Enlarged lymph nodes may show significant regional differences in the etiologic profile. In this study we investigated patients with peripheral lymphadenopathy diagnosed by excisional biopsy. Methods: A retrospective study was done of 67 lymph node biopsy specimens obtained from adult patients and submitted for histopathological examination over a 5-year period. Results: The average age of the patients was 37.9±15 years, 29 (43.3%) were male. The regions of the lymphadenopathy excised were axillary (n = 36, 53.7%), inguinal (n = 22, 32.8%), and cervical area (n = 9, 13.4%) respectively. About one-third (n=23; %34.3) of the patients had malignancies. Malignancies were non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (n=11, 16.4%), Hodgkin lymphoma (n= 7, 10.4%) and metastases (n = 5, 7.5%), respectively. Tuberculosis lymphadenitis (n=20; %29.9) and non-specific lymphadenitis (n=19; %28.4) were the other common causes. Non-specific lymphadenitis included reactive hyperplasia, benign follicular hyperplasia, and mixed follicular hyperplasia. Lymphadenopathy diameter and the presence of generalized lymphadenopathy were significantly higher in malignant tumors. Conclusion: Although fine-needle aspiration biopsy may be useful in the differentiation of benign and malignant lymphadenopathies, inability of the diagnosis is often encountered. In addition, an excisional biopsy is needed for the diagnosis of lymphoma. Excisional biopsy is a diagnostic procedure that can be applied safely with minimal morbidity and mortality. On the other hand, especially in patients with tuberculosis lymphadenopathy incisional biopsy is contraindicated as it can lead to sinus and fistula formation.

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