Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of intraosseous jaw lesions

Abstract

Purpose: This study assessed diagnostic accuracy, determined reasons for error, and evaluated modifications to improve the reliability of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of primary jaw lesions. Patients and Methods: This was a retrospective review of 32 FNABs of intraosseous jaw lesions performed at the Massachusetts General and Children's Hospital between 1993 and 1998. A consistent, standardized technique was used, and each case was evaluated for 1) adequacy of cells to allow diagnosis, 2) presence of malignant cells, and 3) correlation between FNAB diagnosis and the final histopathology. Results: Material obtained by FNAB was adequate for evaluation in 30 of 32 cases. No complications were reported. Malignant cells were found in 5 of 30 cases. FNAB diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology in all 5 of these specimens (100% accuracy). The FNAB diagnosis of benign lesions was confirmed in 17 of 25 cases (68%). The most common benign lesions were odontogenic cysts, ameloblastomas, and fibro-osseous and giant cell lesions. Incorrect diagnosis was related to lack of architectural context of the FNAB material, sampling of a nonrepresentative part of a large lesion, and inadequate quantity or quality of the aspirate. Conclusions: FNAB is a useful technique to distinguish between malignant and benign intraosseous jaw lesions. Its simplicity, suitability as an outpatient procedure, rapidity of interpretation, and minimal morbidity potentially make it the diagnostic tool of choice in the hospital setting.