CLINICO PATHOLOGICAL PROFILE OF SIGNIFICANT CERVICAL LYMPHADENOPATHY IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Background: Lymphadenopathy is defined as an abnormality in the size or character of lymph nodes.[1] A lymph node measuring more than 10mm in its longest diameter in cervical region is considered abnormal. Palpable supraclavicular nodes are always considered abnormal.[2] Lymph nodes are organs found in the neck, chest, under- arm, abdomen, and groin which form part of the immune system and function to fight disease and infections. Lymph nodes in children may be palpated as early as in the neonatal period.[3] Aim & Objective: To study clinical and pathological correlation in paediatric cases with significant cervical lymphadenopathy. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted from 1st Feb 2024 to 31st Jan 2026 over a period of 2 years. The study consists of 70 consecutive cases, both outpatients and inpatients at in Pediatric Department at Mahavir Hospital, Vikarabad. USG neck, FNAC & biopsy were done in all 70 cases. Results: The incidence of cervical lymphadenopathy was highest in 4-8 years (45.7%) followed by 8 years to 12 years’ age group (35.7%) Males were more affected than females with a male-to-female ratio of 1.5:1. In majority of patients the presenting symptom was swelling in the region of neck (90%) for a duration of more than 2- 6 weeks in 31.7% of the cases. Upper Jugular nodes were commonly involved (44.3%) cases. Conclusion: Occurrence of significant cervical lymphadenopathy was more common in male children and in children below 8 years of age. These children commonly presented with painless swelling in neck with associated symptoms like fever, cough, loss or failure to gain weight and sorethroat.