Prospective Study of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Lymph Nodes of The Head And Neck Region over a 2 Year Period with Histopathological Correlation

Abstract

Introduction: Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a simple, quick and inexpensive method used to sample lymph nodes found in the head and neck region.1,2 Aims:1) To study the different cytomorphological patterns of FNAC associated with lymph nodes in the head and neck region. 2 ) To correlate the FNAC findings with histopathology. 3) To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity using histopathology as the gold standard. Material and methods: FNAC of 100 cases of lymph node swellings of head and neck region is included. 20 cases have histopathological correlation. Results: Cervical group of lymph nodes are most common presentation in both benign and malignant condition. Reactive lymphadenitis and metastasis are the most common benign and malignant condition respectively. Overall accuracy and sensitivity was 90% and 100% respectively 3,4 , Conclusion: FNAC is a very useful and accurate approach in diagnosing various benign and malignant lymphadenopathies.