Diagnosis of Parotid Gland Mass by the Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) and it’s Histopathological Correlation - 2 Years Study in BSMMU, Dhaka

Abstract

Background: Fine needle aspiration cytology is a widely practiced technique in the diagnosis of parotid lump. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a simple, quick, inexpensive and minimally invasive technique used to diagnose different types of masses. In otolaryngology, FNAC’s greatest utility is in the diagnosis of neck masses.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the sensitivity and specificity of FNAC in the diagnosis of parotid mass. Parotid gland lesions form about 2-6.5% of all head and neck neoplasms in adults. They are easily accessible by FNAC, also cytology can provide a distinction between parotid and non-parotid lesion, benign and malignant lesions, and specific and non specific inflammation.

Methods: 50 patients were studied prospectively over 2 years. FNAC was done using 10 cc syringes and 20-22 G. needle and stained with papanicular stain. Histopathology was assessed on routine H & E (haematoxylin and eosin) stained paraffin sections.

Results: Sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing malignant and benign tumours were 75%, 95.2%, and 92.5%, 80%, respectively, and 90% of benign tumours were accurately typed on fine-needle aspiration cytology compared with 92% in the malignant group.

Conclusion: Fine-needle aspiration cytology is useful in the preoperative assessment of parotid tumours as it is more reliable than clinical examination to diagnose malignant parotid tumours. FNA cytology is useful in avoiding surgery (inflammatory lesions) or limiting surgical procedures (benign tumours).

Key words: Parotid gland tumour; Fine needle cytology

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bsmmuj.v4i2.8632

BSMMU J 2011; 4(2):65-69