Role of FNAC in Evaluation of Neck Masses

Abstract

Background: Despite fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) has a well recognized role in investigation neck masses, insufficient cellular yield in FNA remain an issue. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of FNAC as a primary investigation tool in neck masses.

Methods: This is a retrospective study of 47 cases with FNAC performed from February 2008 till June 2009 at Otorhinolaryngology Department, Ampang Hospital. The result were compared with results of 44 patients with neck masses and subjected for excision/incision biopsy as first line investigation of tissue diagnosis during the same period of time.

Results: A total of 37 out of 47 patients with FNAC have a conclusive result (78.7% diagnostic yield). Inflammatory lesions (46%) are the common pathology followed by benign lesions (41%) and malignant lesions (13%). Excision/incision biopsy have 100% tissue diagnostic yield with 48% were haematological malignancies followed by reactive lymphadenopathy (27%), tuberculosis lymphadenopathy (16%) and metastatic carcinoma (9%).

Conclusion: Despite lower tissue diagnostic yield compared to excision/incision biopsy, FNAC remains a safe and appropriate first line investigation of neck masses.




doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4021/jcs178e