Clinical Evaluation of Cervical Lymphadenopathy in a Tertiary Care Setting: A Study from Dhaka, Bangladesh

Abstract

Background: Cervical lymphadenopathy, characterized by the enlargement of lymph nodes in the neck, is a common clinical finding that often indicates underlying systemic or localized diseases. It can result from a wide range of conditions, including infections, malignancies, and inflammatory disorders. This study aimed to observe the clinical profile of cervical lymphadenopathy in adults in Bangladesh. Methods: This hospital-based cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) from November 2011 to November 2012. It included 115 patients from both inpatient and outpatient cases of cervical lymphadenopathy. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 20.0. Different methods were adopted with a significant level of p<0.05.  Result: The study involved 115 patients with cervical lymphadenopathy, with a mean age of 42.1±15.6 years and a male predominance (65%). The majority of participants came from low (49.6%) and middle (48.7%) socioeconomic backgrounds. Common clinical features included generalized weakness (91.3%), weight loss (88.7%), and loss of appetite (85.2%), while headache (33.3%), cough (32.2%), and sputum production (22.6%) were less frequent. Chest X-ray findings were mostly normal (76.5%), with consolidation (7%) and other abnormalities noted in smaller proportions. Hemoglobin levels were primarily between 7-11 g/dL and elevated ESR and leukocyte count indicated an ongoing inflammatory process.  Conclusion: In this study highlights the significant clinical burden of cervical lymphadenopathy in a tertiary care setting in Dhaka, Bangladesh. The findings emphasize the predominance of nonspecific symptoms such as generalized weakness, weight loss, and fever, with a variety of underlying causes, including infections and malignancies. The importance of comprehensive clinical evaluation, including chest X-rays and laboratory investigations, is underscored for accurate diagnosis and effective management of cervical lymphadenopathy in this region.