The Predictive Value of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio for Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Diagnosis in Patients with Asymptomatic Cervical Lymphadenopathy

In patients with asymptomatic cervical lymphadenopathy, the physician often has to choose between evaluation via follow-up or open biopsy. Follow-up evaluation may lead to a delayed diagnosis of lymphoma, while an open biopsy is associated with surgical risks and costs. This dilemma can be avoided using predictive parameters. In the present study, we aimed to investigate whether neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), a parameter which can be assessed quickly with ease and at low cost, has predictive value for Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis in patients with asymptomatic cervical lymphadenopathy. A total of 46 patients with asymptomatic cervical lymphadenopathy who underwent open biopsy were included in the study. Based on the biopsy results, the patients were divided into two groups, Hodgkin lymphoma (26 patients) and reactive lymphadenopathy (20 patients). The mean NLR in the groups was calculated and compared based on the results of complete blood count performed before biopsy. We found that mean NLR (P = 0.022) and mean neutrophil count (P = 0.046) were higher and mean lymphocyte count was lower (P = 0.054) in patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma compared to those in patients with reactive lymphadenopathy. Our results indicate that a high NLR may have predictive value for Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis in patients with asymptomatic cervical lymphadenopathy.