Clinicopathological evaluation of benign neck masses with emphasis on correlation of preoperative ultrasound and cytology with postoperative histopathology in tertiary care hospital

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Benign neck mass is a common clinical condition which an ENT clinician routinely encounters. Commonly presenting benign neck masses occur within lymph nodes, thyroid, parotid and other salivary glands. Less common pathologies presenting as neck swellings are from thyroglossal cysts, branchial cleft cysts, carotid body tumors, cystic hygromas, pharyngeal pouch abnormalities and lumps of skin appendages.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> This is prospective observational based study. Duration of study is 1 yr 6 months. All palpable neck masses which are clinically diagnosed as benign were selected.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Study was conducted in Shri Vasantrao Naik Government Medical college, Yavatmal of 123 patients out of which 84 were thyroid swellings, 18 were salivary gland swellings and 21 were other swellings out of which 9 were lymph node swellings. 80.48% were female patients and 19.51% were male patients. Maximum number of patients were between the age group 31-40 years (28.45%) followed by 26.05% in 41-50 years. This is 1yr 6months observational study of epidemiological and clinicopathological spectrum and outcome of management of benign neck masses. This study also determines the histopathological correlation and accuracy of FNAC in the diagnosis of benign neck masses.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> We conclude from present study, that fine needle aspiration cytology is a safe, simple and more accurate than USG that can be done in diagnosing wide range of neck swellings. Probably USG guided fine needle aspiration cytology will be better investigation one can ask for. However confirmatory and accurate diagnosis is given by histopathology.</p>