OBJECTIVE: This is a 14-year retrospective histopathologic study of 720 lymph node biopsies. The aim is to document the causes of lymphadenopathy, the age and sex distribution in Lagos. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The materials consisted of slides and paraffin embedded blocks of all lymph node biopsy specimens received from within and outside Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos. RESULTS: A total of 720 biopsies from 276 males and 444 females were analysed. Chronic non specific lymphadenitis 245 (34%), tuberculosis 125 (17.4%), metastatic lymph node lesions 242 (33.6%), and lymphomas 102(14.2%) were the common causes of lymph node enlargement. The commonest lymph node group affected was the cervical 283 (39.3%). CONCLUSION: Malignancy (47.8%) is the most common cause of superficial lymphadenopathy in Lagos metropolis. The age, sex and site prevalence agree with reports from other parts of Nigeria and Africa with minimal variations.
OBJECTIVE: This is a 14-year retrospective histopathologic study of 720 lymph node biopsies. The aim is to document the causes of lymphadenopathy, the age and sex distribution in Lagos. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The materials consisted of slides and paraffin embedded blocks of all lymph node biopsy specimens received from within and outside Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Lagos. RESULTS: A total of 720 biopsies from 276 males and 444 females were analysed. Chronic non specific lymphadenitis 245 (34%), tuberculosis 125 (17.4%), metastatic lymph node lesions 242 (33.6%), and lymphomas 102(14.2%) were the common causes of lymph node enlargement. The commonest lymph node group affected was the cervical 283 (39.3%). CONCLUSION:Malignancy (47.8%) is the most common cause of superficial lymphadenopathy in Lagos metropolis. The age, sex and site prevalence agree with reports from other parts of Nigeria and Africa with minimal variations.