Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology versus Histopathological Examination in Head and Neck Lesions

Abstract

Aim: To study the cytomorphological features of head and neck lesion using fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and compare its results with histopathology of the same lesion, thereby, to determine the diagnostic efficacy of FNAC. Methods: FNAC results of 120 patients presenting with head and neck swellings to Dept. of ENT and Head and Neck Surgery, Govt. Medical College, Jammu were analysed and categorized into benign and malignant conditions. The cytological findings of these lesions were compared to histopathology findings of the same lesion in 96 patients and the efficacy of FNAC was determined in terms of sensitivity, specificity and accuracy. Results: The overall sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of FNAC in cases of head and neck swellings in the present study is 86.7%, 92.2% and 95.5% respectively. It is 100% sensitive, specific and accurate in case of lymph node swellings while it is 72.3% & 75% sensitive, 86.6% & 94.4% specific and 89.5% & 92.5% accurate in cases of thyroid swellings and salivary gland swellings respectively. Conclusion: Simple technique, high compliance, cost effectiveness and high specificity make FNAC as the first diagnostic invasive procedure in the management of head and neck swellings, despite some limitations.