Content area
Abstract
Routine tests including complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), Mantoux test (purified protein derivative skin test), chest radiography, transnasal fiberoptic laryngoscopy, cervical and abdominal ultrasound, and sputum examination for acid-fast bacilli were also performed in all of the patients. Physical examination revealed multiple matted cervical nodes without chronic abscesses in seven cases, and cervical abscesses with nodes were present in five cases; in these 12 cases, lymph node excision and biopsy were needed to confirm the clinical diagnosis [Figure 1]. Anti-acid stain, mycobacterial culture of excisional lymph nodes,[2] immunohistochemistry,[3] polymerase chain reaction, and ultrasound examination can help differentiate between granulomatous diseases. Fine-needle aspiration cytology is a diagnostic tool used in the assessment of cervical masses. [...]we preferred excision biopsy because of the benefits of avoiding spreading infection, higher predictive value, and lower cost in rural areas. Financial support and sponsorship This study was supported by a grant from the Key Disciplines Group Construction Project of Pudong Health Bureau of Shanghai, China (No. Department of Otolaryngology - Head Neck Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120 Zheng-Hua Zhu: Department of Otolaryngology - Head Neck Surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120 Ning-Fang...