A Clinicopathological Study of Cervical Lymphadenopathy

Abstract

The prime function of lymph node is to deal with antigen, whether this be in the form of organisms or other particulate material, or even soluble antigen. Lymph nodes are strategically placed along the drainage of tissue and body fluids; they are most numerous in those areas which are in direct contact with the exterior of the individual. The analysis of lymph node enlargement in the neck and predicting their clinical behaviour is not an easy task. There can often be diagnostic dilemmas as the diseases that affect the cervical lymph nodes mostly resemble each other. These diseases also include neoplastic lesions, where accurate diagnosis is the key to appropriate management. The study intends to find out systematically the various pathological conditions presenting with enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, also the various modes of clinical presentation and behaviour of these conditions. Relevant investigations have also been studied.