Cervical lymph node biopsies in the evaluation of children with suspected lymphoproliferative disorders: Experience in a tertiary pediatric setting.

Background/purpose: The objectives of this study were: (1) to determine the incidence of lymphoproliferative disorders in a cohort of patients requiring a biopsy at a tertiary pediatric center; and (2) to elucidate the demographic, clinical, laboratory and diagnostic imaging characteristics associated with a malignant diagnosis.

Methods: A retrospective review of pediatric cervical lymph node biopsies performed between 2012 and 2019 at a tertiary center was undertaken. Demographic data, clinical presentations, laboratory results, diagnostic imaging findings, and pathology results were compiled and analyzed to identify characteristics associated with a malignant diagnosis.