Aim: The aim of this study is to present a case of benign lymphadenitis that cytologically was interpreted as suspicios for malignant lymphoma. Introduction: This study represents a case of a patient with cervical lymph node swelling in which the cyto-diagnosis performed by fine needle aspiration cytology was suspicious for lymphoma. The correct diagnosis was assessed by subsequent histology after the removal of the enlarged cervical lymph node. Material and Methods: For cytologic study the material was obtained by fine needle aspiration biopsy and syringe washings, air-dried smears and alcohol-fixed smears, which were prepared and appropriately stained by PAP and May Gruenwald-Giemsa stains. For correct diagnosis an extirpated lymph node was properly fixed and processed with routine haematoxylin eosin staining as well as with an additional immunohistochemical analyses. Results: The cyto-histologic features were characterized by a polymorphous population of cells, germinal center cells with large nuclei, a few epithelioid-type cells and histiocytes with intracellular inclusions The cytological diagnosis implied suspicion for malignant lymphoma probably of Hodgkin type. Histologic features revealed a reactive lymph node architecture that immunohistochemically revealed the diagnosis of Toxoplasma lymphadenitis. Serologic testing for toxoplasma in other institution revealed elevated titres that established the histopathological diagnosis. Conclusion: Lymphadenitis due to Toxoplasma infection is common and should be considered in the diagnosis of unexplained lymphadenopathy at all sites, especially the cervical region. Serologic confirmation should be recommended for all suspected cases and unlike in this case, fine needle aspiration cytodiagnosis can eliminate the need for hospitalization and surgery.

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