ABSTRACT
To evaluate the accuracy and efficacy of fine needle aspiration cytology [FNAC] in the cervical lymphadenopathy. The study was conducted at the department of ENT-Head and Neck Surgery, Liaquat National Hospital Karachi, from April 2001 to December 2002. 35 patients with enlarged cervical lymph nodes were selected from out patients department. All patients were evaluated through detailed history, general physical and otolaryngology examination. Pathologist performed all FNAC procedures and postoperative specimens were also examined at histopathology department. SPSS-10 was used for data analysis. Age was presented by mean standard deviation. Frequencies and percentages were computed to present FNAC and histological findings. Histopathology is considered as gold standard criteria and performed for its sensitivity, specificity and accuracy analysis. 35 patients were enrolled in study, out of which 10 were females and 25 were males, 20 cases showed benign disease and 15 were malignant. In 20 benign cases, 18 were true negative and 2 were false negative, while out of 15 were malignant. In 20 benign cases, 18 were true negative and 2 were false negative, while out of 15 malignant cases, 14 were true positive and 1 was false positive. Over all sensitivity were 87.5%, specificity 90.0% and accuracy 91.4%. FNAC is reliable, safe and accurate test as a first line of evaluation in cervical lymphadenopathy. It plays vital role in the management of cervical lymphadenopathy; it could differentiate the infective process from neoplastic one and avoids unnecessary surgeries