Role of lymph node aspiration in diagnosing lepromatous leprosy

Leprosy or Hansen’s disease remains a common ailment amongst the developing countries. Whereas histopathology remains the gold standard for diagnosis, the use of cytopathology can aid and hasten the process of diagnosis. We present the case of a 45-year-old male patient who presented with ‘skin rash’ and inguinal lymphadenopathy. Aspiration cytology of the lymph node was performed, and upon special staining, clumps of acid-fast bacilli were observed. Diagnosis of Lepromatous leprosy was given. Slit skin smear and inguinal lymph node biopsy were also undertaken, which corroborated the findings. We present this case as it highlights the swift nature of cytology in aiding the diagnosis of infectious disorders, wherein special staining is feasible.