Department of Pathology, Saraswathi Institute of Medical Sciences, Anwarpur, Hapur, Uttar Pradesh, India
Online published on 16 September, 2014.
The head and neck mass lesions are frequently found and spectrum of these pathological lesions ranging from simple inflammatory to benign to malignant lesion. FNAC is a rapid, simple, inexpensive and minimally invasive procedure for different types of head and neck swellings and offer a more informed therapeutic approach.
To investigate and categories the pattern of lesions of head and neck region presenting to and to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of FNAC.
A total of 500 patients were subjected to FNAC of head & neck mass lesions. Routine clinical and hematological investigations were performed. FNAC was performed using 22/23 gauge needle attached to 10 ml plastic disposable syringe.
Lymph node lesions were 64% (320/500), thyroid lesions were 24% (120/500), salivary glands lesions were 8% (40/500) and 4% (20/500) lesions were of soft tissue & miscellaneous. Among lymph node lesions tubercular lymphadenitis was commonest lesion (50%, 160/320) followed by reactive lymphadenitis (18.75%, 60/320). Benign nodular goiter was most common lesion (50%, 60/120) followed by Hashimoto thyroiditis (20%, 24/120) in thyroid lesions. Most common salivary gland lesion was sialadenitis (acute/chronic) (45%, 18/40) followed by pleomorphic adenoma (25%, 10/40).
It was concluded that FNAC of head & neck mass is safe, simple, rapid method that can be done to diagnose wide range of lesions.
FNAC, Head & neck, cytological array, Thyroid
