A STUDY OF SPECTRUM OF NEOPLASTIC AND NON-NEOPLASTIC LESIONS OF SALIVARY GLAND AND THEIR CYTOLOGICAL CORRELATION WITH HISTOPATHOLOGY

Abstract

Objective: This current study analyzed the diagnostic accuracy of cytology of various salivary gland lesions and correlated with histopathological findings. Method: A study of 45 samples for fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) were obtained from patients who were posted to the department of pathology. Aspirate from all salivary gland lesions and corresponding histopathological (HPE) specimens were included. Results: Cytologic (FNAC) diagnosis reveals non-neoplastic, benign, and malignant lesions in 23% (12), 68% (31), and 4% (2) of 45 samples, respectively. While histopathological (HPE) diagnosis revealed non-neoplastic, benign, and malignant lesions in 20% (9), 62% (28), and 18% (8) of cases, respectively. The most common lesion in cytology and histology was discovered to be pleomorphic adenoma, which has a high sensitivity and specificity and can thus be used to screen all salivary gland tumors for a better therapeutic approach. The higher sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic accuracy of FNAC confirms its important role in conjunction with radiological and clinical findings to provide the best initial assessment. There is a statistically significant relationship between the consistency, location, and cellularity of the lesion in benign and malignant tumours. Study concluded that on FNAC, 48% were benign in nature and 24% were malignant in nature. The sensitivity of FNAC was 86.5%, specificity was 100%, positive predictive value was 100%, negative predictive value was 86%, and diagnostic accuracy was 92.5%. Conclusion: The study confirms the utility of FNAC as a safe and cost-effective method of distinguishing benign and malignant salivary gland lesions. FNAC had a sensitivity of 86.5%, a specificity of 100%, a positive predictive value of 100%, a negative predictive value of 86%, and a diagnostic accuracy of 92.75%. FNAC and histopathology complemented each other to provide infallible diagnoses that are critical in planning future management.