FNAC of Head and Neck Swellings.

ABSTRACT

Background: Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology is simple, quick, inexpensive, majority are on OPD basis and minimally invasive technique used to diagnose different types of swellings located in the head and neck commonly originate from cervical lymph node, thyroid, salivary glands and soft tissues. Aim: To assess the frequency of incidences at different sites of head and neck region, and amongst the sex group. To assess distribution amongst inflammatory and neoplastic lesions. Methodology: A retrospective study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital, Ahmedabad from October 2013 to January 2014. Patients between the ages of 1 to 80 years were enrolled into the study. A total of 146 patients with a head and neck swelling underwent FNAC. Fine needle aspiration diagnosis was correlated with detail of relevant clinical findings and investigations. Results: Out of 146 fine needle aspiration procedures, 107 (73.29%) were of lymph nodes, 25 (17.12%) were of thyroid gland, 08 (5.48%) from soft tissue and 06 (4.11%) from salivary glands. Amongst lymph node swellings (73.29%), tuberculous involvement was seen in 73 cases (68.22%) with a female preponderance. Out of total 146 lesions, 109 (74.66%) were inflammatory, 29 (19.86%) were benign and 08 (5.48%) were malignant. Conclusions: The head and neck swellings are very common conditions encountered, with most of them being on OPD basis. Our study found that FNAC is simple, quick, inexpensive and minimally invasive technique to diagnose different types of head and neck swellings. It could differentiate the infective process from neoplastic one and avoids unnecessary surgeries. In case of neoplastic conditions, patient may be referred to Regional Cancer Centre.