Cytomorphological Spectrum of Head and Neck Lesions: A Retrospective Study

Tanvi Tailor; Toral Jivani; Shruti Devani; Neha Pandya

doi:10.21276/apalm.3302

Authors

Tanvi Tailor Department of Pathology, Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research, Surat, Gujarat, India
Toral Jivani Department of Pathology, Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research, Surat, Gujarat, India
Shruti Devani Department of Pathology, Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research, Surat, Gujarat, India
Neha Pandya Department of Pathology, Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research, Surat, Gujarat, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21276/apalm.3302

Keywords:

Head and neck, FNAC, Lymph node, Thyroid gland, Salivary gland

Abstract

Background

Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is globally employed as the primary diagnostic method for assessing swellings, particularly in the head and neck area. It offers numerous benefits such as cost-effectiveness, minimal invasiveness, suitability for all age groups, outpatient feasibility, and low complication rates. Most importantly, it helps distinguish between benign and malignant growths. Common pathologies encountered include lymphadenopathies, salivary gland and thyroid lesions, and skin appendage issues.

Material and Methods

A retrospective study was conducted on 305 patients with palpable swellings of the head and neck who presented to the Pathology department from July 2023 to December 2023. FNAC was performed using aspiration and non-aspiration techniques, after which cytomorphological diagnoses were given.

Results

Among the 305 cases analyzed, inflammatory lesions accounted for 65.57% (200 cases), benign lesions for 19.67% (60 cases), and malignant lesions for 14.75% (45 cases). Inflammatory lesions were the most prevalent, followed by benign and malignant lesions. Lymph nodes were the most frequently aspirated sites, followed by the thyroid, with salivary gland cases being the least common. Benign conditions were predominantly observed in the second to fifth decades, while malignant conditions were more prevalent from the fifth decade onwards.

Conclusion

FNAC serves as a rapid, cost-effective, and minimally invasive approach for evaluating head and neck swellings. Moreover, FNAC can offer both diagnostic and therapeutic benefits, particularly in cystic lesions. Consequently, it can be recommended as the primary diagnostic modality for head and neck swellings, aiding surgeons in formulating appropriate surgical strategies for affected patients.

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