Clinicopathological Characteristics and Diagnostic Yield of Peripheral Lymph Node Excisional Biopsies in a Tertiary Surgical Oncology Center

Objective: Peripheral lymphadenopathy (LAP) is a common clinical finding with a broad differential diagnosis ranging from benign reactive conditions to malignant diseases. Excisional lymph node biopsy remains the gold standard for definitive diagnosis. This study aimed to evaluate the clinicopathological characteristics and predictors of malignancy in patients undergoing peripheral lymph node excisional biopsy.

Methods: This retrospective study included adult patients who underwent excisional lymph node biopsy for peripheral LAP at the Surgical Oncology Clinic of Ankara Etlik City Hospital between January 2024 and January 2025. Demographic, clinical, radiological, and pathological data were analyzed. Patients were categorized into benign and malignant pathology groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of malignancy.

Results: A total of 78 patients were included. Pathological evaluation revealed benign findings in 51.3% (n = 40) and malignant disease in 48.7% (n = 38). Patients with malignant pathology were significantly older than those with benign findings (63.2 ± 14.1 vs. 50.2 ± 17.8 years, P = .03). B symptoms were significantly more frequent in the malignant group than in the benign group (60.5% vs. 12.5%, P < .001). Positron emission tomography positivity was also associated with malignancy (68.4% vs. 37.5%, P = .006). Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age (odds ratio (OR) 1.045, 95% CI 1.008–1.084; P = .017) and B symptoms (OR 9.744, 95% CI 2.569–36.963; P < .001) were independent predictors of malignancy.

Conclusion: Peripheral lymph node excisional biopsy provides high diagnostic value in the evaluation of LAP. Advanced age and the presence of B symptoms are strong indicators of malignant pathology and should prompt early histopathological assessment.

Cite this article as: Tunç E, Coşkun O, Aydın F, Doğan L. Clinicopathological characteristics and diagnostic yield of peripheral lymph node excisional biopsies in a tertiary surgical oncology center. Cerrahpaşa Med J 2026, 50, 0044, doi: 10.5152/cjm.2026.26044.