Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytological Diagnosis of Neck Masses

Abstract

Background: Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is a simple, safe, inexpensive, and acceptable method for diagnosing masses, especially at superficial areas. Therefore, we decided to evaluate the accuracy of FNA cytological diagnosis in nonthyroidal, nonsalivary gland neck masses and compare the results with histopathological diagnosis. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, all cases with FNA cytological diagnosis of nonthyroidal, nonsalivary gland neck masses from April 2009 to July 2013 were retrieved. The procedure was done by pathologists, and all cytological and histopathological slides of the existing 46 cases were reviewed by 3 pathologists. The values of sensitivity (SN), specificity (SP), positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and diagnostic accuracy were calculated. Results: SN, SP, PPV, NPV, and accuracy in this study were 79, 100, 100, 73, and 86%, respectively. We had 6 false-negative and no false-positive cases. Conclusion: The FNA procedure is a reliable method as the first step for the diagnosis of nonthyroidal, nonsalivary gland neck masses. To increase the diagnostic value of cytology, careful examination of all cytological slides, repetition of the FNA procedure and good history taking are helpful.