Thirty-eight cases which underwent excisional biopsies of the cervical lymphnodes were investigated statistically, clinically and histopatho logically. In 4 cases diagnoses were difficult (1 case of subacute necrotic lymphadenitis, 1 case of metastatic lymphadenitis, and 2 cases of malignant lymphomas).
The 38 cases consisted of 15 cases (39%) of nontumorous lesions and 23 cases (61%) of tumorous lesions. The nontumorous lesions (15 cases) consisted of 8 cases of simple lymphadenitis, 5 cases of tuberculous lymphadenitis, and 2 cases of subacute necrotic lymphadenitis. The tumorous lesions (23 cases) consisted of 6 cases of malignant lymphomas and 17 cases of metastatic lymphnodes.
For the differential diagnosis of subacute necrotic lymphadenitis and malignant lymphoma, a detailed histopathological investigation is necessary. For cases with a diagnosis of metastatic lymphadenitis and unknown primary foci, a prolonged observation of possible causes is important.
When there is no reduction in the swelling of lymph nodes after treatment with antibiotics and antiinflammatory agents, it would be advisable to perform an excisional biopsy of lymphnodes.