Comparative study between multihole and conventional fine-needle aspiration cytology of head and neck masses as regard diagnostic efficacy and cost effectiveness

ABSTRACT

This research demonstrated a randomized study comparing diagnoses obtained using both types of needles in FNA biopsies of head and neck masses to determine whether the specimen from fine-needle aspiration [FNA] biopsy of head and neck masses has greater diagnostic accuracy when using multihole needles, rather than using the conventional needles. Eighty-eight [88] patients had [91] FNA biopsies with both multihole and single-hole, 22-gauge needles. Biopsies were randomized and were unknown to the cytopathologist. No statistically significant differences were noted in quantity of specimen material obtained quality of fixation. There was a great difference and diagnostic value between the multihole and the conventional fine needle. It was found that the multihole needle in FNA biopsy of head and neck masses provide more advantages in such masses, but with a greater cost than the conventional needles