MAST CELL PROFILE IN LYMPH NODE DISORDERS

Mast cell is a unicellular endocrine organ with many compounds in it acting both in physiological and pathological conditions like inflammation, wound healing, parasitic infestations, allergic conditions and in neoplastic conditions like primary and secondary neoplasms (4, 6). Actually mast cells are present in normal lymph nodes. Its number and distribution varies in different pathological conditions of lymph node (6, 9). This study was undertaken to identify the variation of mast cells in number and distribution in different pathological conditions of lymph node. This study was done on biopsy specimens received by the department of Pathology in our medical college. 122 biopsy specimens of different pathological conditions (neoplastic, non - neoplastic and combined lesions) were received by the department of Pathology for a period of 2 years and analyzed for mast cell variations. These variations were compared with 10 lymph nodes from cadaver. Maximum number of mast cells were observed in chronic non specific lymphadenitis (78.85 +/- 20.21 /10 HPF) and in sinus histiocytosis (78.80 +/- 28.2 /10HPF). Moderate increase was found in dermatopathic lymphadenitis (50/10HPF), Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) (45, 70) and Metastatic lymph node (51.93 +/- 18.7). Mild increase was seen in NHL (25 +/- 12). This count was decreased (11.93 +/- 5.24 /10 HPF) in tuberculosis. In addition to provide diagnostic clue it also gives scope for further research.