Lymph node biopsy for diagnosis: a statistical study.

This is a retrospective and all inclusive study of 925 patients who had isolated lymph node biopsies for diagnosis from 1973 to 1977. Overall, 60% of the nodes had benign lesions, 28% carcinoma, and 12% lymphoma. The comparable figures for abdominal nodal biopsies were 63%, 33% and 4%; for intrathoracic nodes, 73%, 26% and 1%; for peripheral nodes, 56%, 29% and 15%. Detailed distribution according to specific site of nodal biopsy, histological subtypes, age, and sex of patients are presented. Statistically, age is the most important factor useful in estimating the probability of whether the lymphadenopathy is due to a benign or malignant process.