NON-NEOPLASTIC LYMPH NODE DISEASES IN AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY TEACHING HOSPITAL (ABUTH), ZARIA; A TEN YEAR HISTOPATHOLOGICAL REVIEW (JANUARY 2004 TO DECEMBER 2013)

Abstract

Background
The aim of this study is to do a histopathological review of non neoplastic lymph node lesions
with the use of special stains and immunohistochemistry where necessary and set the template
for further studies and research in ABUTH Zaria.
Methodology
All cases of non neoplastic lymph node biopsies received in the Department of Pathology,
Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria from over a 10 year period were reviewed.
The clinical information, slides and paraffin blocks of these cases were retrieved, special stains
and immunohistochemical methods were applied. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 20
and the students t and F tests with the level of significance put at p<0.05.
Results
Two hundred and twenty three cases of non neoplastic lymph node biopsies were reviewed out
of which 133 cases were male and 90 cases were females. In the review of the 223 lymph nodes,
209 (93.7%) had their regional site indicated and 14 (6.3%) had no regional site indicated. The
commonest site of lymph node biopsy was cervical with 103 cases (46.2%) followed by the
mesenteric 35 (15.7%) then the axillary 30 cases (13.5%).The commonest lymph node disease
was tuberculosis accounting for 116 cases (52%) followed by follicular hyperplasia with 64
(28.7%) cases. Nine cases after immunohistochemical stains came out to be lymphoma.
Conclusion – This study has shown that tuberculosis and follicular hyperplasia are the
commonest causes of lymphadenopathy in our environment. It has also shown that the use of
special stains and selective immunohistochemical antibody panels will help detect occult
metastasis and some lymphomas masquerading as follicular hyperplasia.