Investigating the Role of C-Reactive Protein/Albumin Ratio in the Preliminary Diagnosis of Patients With Unexplained Neck Lymphadenopathy

<b>Purpose:</b> Lymphadenopathies in the neck are associated with several etiological factors, such as inflammation, infection, and tumors. We diagnose some of these lymphadenopathies using serologic tests, while others are diagnosed using biopsies. The C-reactive protein/albumin ratio (CAR) has recently emerged as a crucial inflammatory marker in cardiovascular diseases and various types of cancer. Our aim in this study was to investigate the role of the CAR in the preliminary diagnosis of patients with unexplained neck lymphadenopathy. <b>Methods:</b> Between 2013 and 2020, 223 patients presented to our clinic with neck lymphadenopathy. Among these patients, whose cause of lymphadenopathy was not identified, 74 patients (8 children, 66 adults) who underwent neck lymphadenopathy excision were included in the study. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to pathology results: (1) patients with reactive lymphoid hyperplasia; (2) patients with granulomatous disease; (3) patients with lymphoma; and (4) patients with metastatic disease. C-reactive protein (CRP), albumin, and CAR values were compared. <b>Results:</b> When the CAR of the patients were compared, a significant difference was found between reactive lymphoid hyperplasia and lymphomas (<i>P</i> = .006). CRP values were significantly higher in lymphomas than in lymphoid hyperplasia (<i>P</i> = .007). When the albumin values of the patients were compared, it was found that the albumin value was significantly lower in patients with metastatic disease than in those with reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (<i>P</i> = .032). Patients with carcinoma metastases were more common in male patients than in other groups. <b>Conclusion:</b> The CAR is a parameter that can be used in the preliminary diagnosis of unexplained neck lymphadenopathy. The elevation should be evaluated in favor of malignancy. It can be used as an auxiliary parameter, particularly in the diagnosis between the preliminary diagnosis of reactive lymphoid hyperplasia and lymphoma.