Publication:

Fine needle aspiration cytology in head and neck masses, assessment of need for incision/excision biopsy

Background FNAC is a rapid, simple, cost-effective, and minimally invasive technique used to diagnose different types of swelling occurring in head and neck masses, and assess its need for biopsy.

Methods The study included 650 patients, who presented with palpable head and neck swelling over a period of 18 months, at our hospital. FNAC procedure has been performed and smears are stained with Papanicolaou stain, Gemisa stain, and H and E stain. Cyto-histopathological correlations were done to evaluate the need for a biopsy.

Results Out of 650 cases, lymph node lesions constitute 370 cases (56.90%) most commonly involved. Thyroid gland lesions constitute 189 cases (29.10%) followed by salivary gland lesions 38 cases (5.80%), and other 53 cases (8.20%). Histo-pathological correlation of 116 cases were done out of 650.

Conclusions FNAC serves as a guide to appropriate therapeutic management whether to locally excise a benign tumor or plan radical surgery and helps as an adjunct to histopathology.