STUDY OF FINE NEEDLE ASPIRATION CYTOLOGY AS A DIAGNOSTIC TOOL IN HEAD AND NECK LESIONS – OUR EXPERIENCE IN TERTIARY CARE CENTRE, SURYAPET, TELANGANA.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Head and neck region is an anatomic site rich in diverse structures ranging from lymphnodes, salivary glands, thyroid and a host of developmental tissues. These lesions range from infections to malignancies and are seen in all age groups. FNAC is inexpensive, safe, outdoor procedure, with rapid reporting. The present study is aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of ne needle aspiration cytology in head and neck lesions and to evaluate the pattern of disease in Suryapet, Telangana. MATERIALS & METHODS: This is retrospective observational study conducted in Department of Pathology, Government Medical College/ Government General Hospital, Suryapet, Telangana from August 2019 to January 2022 (2years 6months). Detailed clinical history was taken and FNAC was performed. RESULTS: Out of 211 cases, Majority of FNACs done in head and neck region was from lymph nodes 77 cases (36.4%) followed by thyroid 54cases (25.5%), skin and soft tissue 41 cases (19.4%) and least cases from salivary glands 32 cases (15.1%). FNAC was inconclusive in 7 (3.3%) cases with small lesions and inadequate material. Reactive lymphadenitis being the most common lesion in Lymphnodes. Most common lesion in thyroid gland was colloid goitre and pleomorphic adenoma in salivary glands CONCLUSION: FNAC is simple, ra pid, cheap outpatient procedure. It should be used as the rst : line investigation in the diagnosis of head and neck lesions wherever feasible