accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of non thyroid neck masses: experience at Queen Alia Military Hospital

To assess the accuracy of cytological examination of non thyroid neck masses and to correlate the findings between cytology and subsequent histopathology examination at Queen Alia Military Hospital between 2001 and 2005. This study was carried out at Queen Alia Military Hospital between January 2001 and December 2005. The records of 104 adult patients, over a five-year period were reviewed. The definitive diagnosis of the palpable mass was determined by review of the patient's case notes. Sixty-four [61.5%] as malignant, and 10 [9.6%] as nondiagnostic. Histopathology of all the excised 104 specimens revealed that 70 [67.3%] had benign disease and 34 [32.7%] had malignant disease. The most common benign disease was pleomorphic adenoma with a sensitivity of 88.2%, a specificity of 98.1%, and an overall accuracy of 93.3%. The most common malignant pathology was squamous cell carcinoma with a sensitivity of 88.9%, a sensitivity, and accuracy were 86.9, 96.3% respectively. Fine needle aspiration biopsy in experienced hands is a good screening test with acceptable sensitivity and specificity in the assessment of non thyroid neck masses

Profile of smoking amongst health staff at Marka Medical center, Jordan

To determine the rate of smoking among health staff at Marka Medical Center. Between September 1[st] 2008 and September 7[th] 2008, a self-administered questionnaire study was distributed to all study individuals. SPSS statistical package was used for statistical analysis by calculating X[2] and P value [<0.05] as statistically significant. A total of 115 completed questionnaires, 55 males and 60 females, were included in the study with a response rate of [76%]. The rate of smokers was 23 [20%], ex-smokers 16 [14%] and non-smokers 78 [68%]. Male smokers 15 [28%], x[2] = 13.39, p< 0.005 and is significantly higher figure than female smokers 6 [10%]. Smoking was more among the group of employees with secondary school degrees, 6 [40%], p< 0.01. The majority of smokers were smoking 11-20 cigarettes per day [46.5%, x[2] = 14.7, P<0.001]. Smoking rate is relatively high among our center workers. It is not only dangerous for the smokers themselves but for the patients who attend this medical centre