title: [Tuberculous lymphadenitis].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In this study, we evaluate tuberculosis (Tbc) lymphadenitis diagnosed patients age, gender, contact history, history of smoking, socioeconomic status, lymphadenitis localization, imaging techniques, fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and excisional biopsy results.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between February 2006 and February 2008 104 patients were operated to determine the etiology of their neck masses. Twenty-six patients (16 females, 10 males; mean age 36.9 years; range 16 to 52 years) who were diagnosed as Tbc lymphadenitis according to pathology results were included in the study. Ear, nose and throat examinations were performed in all patients routinely. Hemogram, biochemical and serological tests were performed. The patients were evaluated with anterior-posterior chest radiographs and purified protein derivative (PPD) by chest diseases consultation imaging methods and FNAB was performed. All patients diagnosed with excisional biopsy of neck mass. During the operation, tissue culture and Ziehl-Neelsen method for staining was prepared.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Out of 26 patients eight had a history of contact with Tbc. One person had previously lung Tbc. Six patients had previously received treatment because of Tbc lymphadenitis, but didn't complete the treatment. Neck ultrasonography and neck computed tomography detected a solid mass in 16 patients and cystic mass in 10 patients. The 24 patients were evaluated as positive PPD (>10 mm). None of the patients had an association between active pulmonary Tbc and Tbc lymphadenitis.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Suspicion is the most important step in the diagnosis of Tbc lymphadenitis. In patients with low socioeconomic status, previous Tbc contact, tabacco usage, suppressed immune system, and particularly in those with drainage from neck masses, Tbc lymphadenitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis.
authors.affiliation: Bakirköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Eğitim ve Araştirma Hastanesi, Kulak Burun Boğaz Hastaliklari Kliniği, Istanbul, Turkey. dribrahimsayin@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Ibrahim
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Sayın
authors.forename: Sultan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bişkin
authors.forename: Taliye Tuncer
authors.initials: TT
authors.lastname: Cakabay
authors.forename: Zahide Mine
authors.initials: ZM
authors.lastname: Yazıcı
authors.forename: Ayşenur
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Meriç
authors.forename: Fatma Tülin
authors.initials: FT
authors.lastname: Kayhan
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology; D008199:Lymphadenitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014388:Tuberculosis, Lymph Node / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology