Objectives: To compare the traditional teaching with algorithm or flowchart-based teaching method in cytology and to assess the performance of newly joined residents in cytopathology after training them with algorithm-based approach. Materials & Methods: The study included 20 newly joined residents who were divided into two groups I.e., group A and group B and was conducted in two different sets. In set 1, group A residents were trained with the algorithmic approach and group B residents by theoretical method for 10 different cytological cases of thyroid and breast. In set 2, group B residents were taught the algorithmic approach and group A residents by theoretical method for 10 different cytological cases of salivary gland and lymph node. The performance of the residents in both the sets was assessed and pre-test and post-test scores were given based on their ability to diagnose the lesions before and after the training. The feedback on the utility of algorithmic approach in cytopathology was received from the participated residents after the study. Results: The performance of the residents was compared using Mann Whitney U test of post-test scores and was found that in set 1, group A residents’ performance was greater than that of group B residents. Similarly for the set 2, the performance of group B residents was greater than group A residents. The performance of group A residents in set 2 was found to be better than their performance in set 1. Conclusion: The algorithm or flowchart-based teaching is a unique teaching method which enhances case solving skills and effective reasoning in the residents. Keywords: Algorithm based approach, Cytopathology, FNAC, Pathology resident training

Fine Needle Aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a simple, cost effective, rapid and reliable technique which can be used as a routine outpatient department (OPD) procedure and first line of investigation in diagnosing a variety of superficial and deep lesions. Enlarged lymph nodes is one of the common complaint in the surgical OPD's. Lymphadenopathy is of great clinical significance and the underlying cause may range from a treatable infectious etiology to malignant neoplasms. Any lymph node greater than 1 cm can be aspirated with least complications to arrive at the diagnosis. Objectives of Study: To study the cytomorphology of enlarged lymph nodes to aid in diagnosis and treatment. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study with 261 cases of lymph node lesions.Clinical data and FNAC of lymph node cytology reports were obtained from the archives during the period of January 2019-December 2019(1 year study). Results: In this study a total of 261 cases were examined. The age group of patients ranged from 4yrs -72yrs. Out of 261 cases, 116 cases were reported as Caseating granulomatous lymphadenitis, followed by 99 cases as Reactive lymphadenitis, 25 cases as Suppurative granulomatous lymphadenitis, 15 cases as Suppurative lymphadenitis, 3 cases as Metastatic squamous cell carcinoma, 2 cases as Metastatic adenocarcinoma, 2 cases as Non Hodgkin lymphoma, 1 case as Hodgkin lymphoma, 1 case as Kikuchi lymphadenitis, 1 case as BCG lymphadenitis. Conclusion: FNAC Lymph node emphasizes on diagnosing inflammatory treatable conditions and malignant neoplastic conditions, there by guiding the patients for early intervention.