Clinicopathological Spectrum of Head and Neck Lesions By FNAC at a Tertiary Care Centre in Barpeta, Assam – A Retrospective Study

Abstract

Background: Various neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions arising from lymph nodes, salivary glands, thyroid gland, soft tissue and metastatic deposits comprises the wide spectrum of lesions in the head & neck region. The Foundation of Head and Neck Cancer (FHNC) helps in differentiating non-neoplastic lesions from neoplastic and further from benign and malignant lesions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role and diagnostic accuracy of FNAC in diagnosis of palpable head and neck lesions.

Materials and methods: A total of 360 cases were included in the study. Out of the 360 cases, 122 (33.89%) cases were sent for histopathological examination and the results were correlated histologically. Aspirations were done by using 10 ml syringe and 22/23-gauge needles. Smears were stained with May Grunwald Giemsa (MGG). Cytomorphological diagnosis was given.

Results: Out of 360 patients of head and neck lesions studied, lymph node (40.56%) was the predominant site aspirated with reactive lymphoid hyperplasia being the commonest lesion. Soft tissue constitutes 31.11% cases followed by thyroid lesions with 19.72% cases, salivary gland 7.22% cases, and oral cavity 1.39% cases. FNAC was inconclusive in 4.17% cases.

Conclusion: Head and neck lesions are common lesions located superficially that can be easily diagnosed on cytology. Although excisional biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing head and neck malignant lesions, FNAC plays a vital role as a quick and inexpensive diagnostic procedure with high diagnostic accuracy. It distinguishes between inflammatory/infection and neoplastic lesions, avoiding needless procedures and expediting therapy. FNAC is a low-cost, accurate diagnostic method that may be used as a first-line examination.