Role of FNAC in diagnosis of parotid lesions

Abstract

Abstract Background Salivary gland masses are considered challenging for diagnosis regarding its origin and whether benign or malignant. Unique features of FNAC as a safe and easy diagnostic procedure with little discomfort to the patient made it a favorable primary diagnostic tool. Information regarding the nature of parotid lesions whether being benign or malignant is the main objective of FNAC. We have done a restrospective study for FNAC for parotid masses performed in John Hunter hospital (Newcastle, NSW, Australia) along the peroid from 2014-2018. Histopathological correlation was done in 74 cases to test the accuracy of FNAC in diagnosis of parotid lesions. Results Of the total 74 FNAC done for parotid lesions in which a histopathological correlation was done, we get 46 (62.2%) benign lesions (37 neoplastic and 9 non-neoplastic) while 28 (37.8%) were malignant tumor. Pleomorphic adenoma was the most common in benign tumor side (45.7%) while SCC is the most common in malignant group (53.6%). Compatibility between FNAC and histological diagnosis was found in 74% (55/74), of which 78.3% in benign lesions (36/46) and in 68% of malignant lesions (19/28). FNA cytology was true positive in 21/74 cases (28.4%) and true negative in 41/74 (55.4%) cases. We have 5 (6.8%) false-negative and 7 (9.5%) false-positive results. As a result, we get sensitivity of 81%, specificity of 85%, and accuracy of 84%. Conclusion The role of FNAC in diagnosis of primary salivary gland pathology is considered with some debate about sensitivity/specificity; however, sometimes it should be repeated or correlated with clinical/histopathological confirmation.