The Pathological Features Of Lymph Node Biopsies From The Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

Abstract

Aims: Highlighting the types of lymph node disorders in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria and the pattern of gender and age group distribution. Materials and methods: Hematoxylin and eosin stained-slides of lymph node biopsies diagnosed in Anatomical Pathology department, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital for 5 years were archived and studied. Lymph nodes accompanying malignant tissues were noted and the slides of the primary lesions and those secondary to lymph nodes were compared for morphologic consistency. The request forms were also analyzed for age, sex, site of lesion and clinical diagnosis. Results: Male: female ratio was 1:1.2. Mean age and range were 29.6 years + 24.1 and 11 months to 80 years respectively. Peak age was 20-39 years. Non-neoplastic lesions with 50.2% were marginally higher than neoplastic ones. The 2 commonest non-neoplastic lesions were non-specific reactive hyperplasia (RH) and tuberculosis (TB) with 22.4% and 16.9% respectively. Metastatic lesions with 59.2% were the commonest cause of lymph node enlargement. Lymphoid malignancies occurred in 40.7%. Cervical lymph node group was the most frequently biopsied. Conclusion: Malignant lesions, reactive hyperplasia and tuberculosis were the commonest pathologies of enlarged lymph nodes. Malignant lesions especially metastasis should therefore be considered in lymphadenopathies presenting in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria and biopsy of all cases should be encouraged. Provision of immunohistochemistry and other molecular pathology resources in our centre will obviate limitations in pathological studies.