Histopathological of lymph node biopsies in Lagos, South West Nigeria

Lymph nodes are discrete ovoid lymphoid structures that are widely distributed throughout the body. Lymph node enlargement is a common clinical problem, and biopsies are usually undertaken to determine the cause of nodal enlargement. The aim of this study is to elucidate the pattern of lymph node biopsies seen in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja. This is an 8 year retrospective study of all lymph node biopsies sent to our laboratory between 1st January 2008 and 31st December 2015. All slides were retrieved and reviewed. The demographic data regarding age, sex, provisional diagnosis and site of biopsy were obtained from request forms. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Science version 21. There were 123 lymph node biopsies seen during the study period with age range of 1- 78 years and male to female ratio of 1.2:1. The first decade recorded the highest samples (17.9%), followed by the 4th decade (17.1%). The cervical region is the most common site biopsied, (41.5%), followed by axillary lymph node (17.1%). Metastasis was the most common diagnosis (26.0%), then tuberculous lymph nodes (22.8%). Metastasis was commonest in females and in the 5th decade while tuberculosis was most common in males and in the 4th decade. Metastasis is the most common cause of lymph node enlargement and seen predominantly in females in the fifth decade of life. Tuberculosis is commonest in fourth decade while lymphoma showed bimodal frequency in first and sixth decade.Keywords: nodal enlargement, metastasis, tuberculosis, lymphoma