Mycobacterial cervical adenitis in Auckland: diagnosis by fine needle aspirate.

Abstract

(1) Clinicians should more consistently include mycobacterial tests when investigating neck lumps. (2) FNA is not a reliable diagnostic test for mycobacterial cervical adenitis in New Zealand. Here, FNA should only be regarded as a screening test for mycobacterial adenitis. If anti-tuberculous treatment is required before it is known whether FNA has provided a positive culture, excision biopsy should first be performed to identify the mycobacterium and its susceptibility pattern.