Cytodiagnosis of salivary gland lesions.

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to analyse the relative frequency and distribution of different salivary gland lesions,to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and efficacy of FNAC in diagnosing these lesions and to correlate the FNAC finding with histopathological diagnosis wherever possible. Method: During the five year period of study ,hundred cases were studied .FNAC was done in eightyone cases and sixtynine cases were available for histopathological examination.Cyological and histological correlation was possible in fifty cases.For cytological examination smears were stained with Leishmann,H & E and PAP. Result: The results were analysed statistically by sensitivity,specificity ,positive and negative predictive values.In our study there was equal distribution of salivary gland lesion among both sexes.Maximium number of lesions were found in parotid followed by submandibular gland.The overall diagnostic accuracy of FNAC in diagnosing the malignant lesions was 90%. Conclusion: The diagnostic accuracy and low false positive and false negative diagnosis obtained in this study warrants FNAC to be utilized as first line diagnostic procedure in the evaluation of patients with suspected salivary gland lesions. Histopathological diagnosis however,still remains the gold standard.