Pattern of FNAC of Neck Lymph Nodes in a Tertiary Care Centre in Uttar Pradesh, India: A Retrospective Study of 150 Patients

Abstract

Background: Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a widely used diagnostic tool for evaluation of neck lymphadenopathy. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the pattern of FNAC diagnoses of neck lymph nodes in patients presenting to a tertiary care centre in Uttar Pradesh, India. Methods: We reviewed FNAC records of 150 patients who underwent FNAC of neck lymph nodes between September 2023 and August 2025. Demographic data, node site, and cytological diagnoses were extracted and analyzed. Results: Of 150 patients, the most common diagnoses were Tuberculosis (33.3%), Reactive hyperplasia (30.0%), Metastatic carcinoma (23.3%), Lymphoma (8.0%) and Inadequate/Non-diagnostic (5.3%). The majority of patients were in the 20–39 year age group. Cervical lymph nodes comprised the majority of sampled sites. Conclusion: Tuberculosis and reactive lymphadenitis remain leading causes of neck lymphadenopathy in this region; metastatic disease and lymphoma were also significant. FNAC is a useful first-line diagnostic modality; correlation with clinical and microbiological data is essential for optimal patient management.

Keywords: FNAC; neck lymph nodes; tuberculosis; metastatic carcinoma; lymphadenopathy; cytology; retrospective study