Role of FNAC in head and neck lesion at tertiary care hospital: An observational study

• Dr. Snehal Diliprao Bhomble,  
• Dr. Suwarna Bhupendra Patil,  
• Dr. Ajay Dattopant Jungare,  
• Dr. Akshata Rajendra Chaturkar,*  
• Dr. Dilip Shiodas Sarate

Abstract

Aim and Objective: To assess a range of head and neck lesions and, if feasible, correlate the results with histological diagnoses. Introduction: The head and neck area may experience a range of congenital, inflammatory, and malignant lesions. FNAC is a straightforward, quick, cost-effective outpatient surgery with a low risk of complications. Material and Methods: FNAC procedure was done using 22-23G needle after obtaining written consent from the patients. Smears were stained with H&E and Pap stain. Cyto-Histopathological correlation was done wherever possible. Result: The predominant demographic of patients in this study consisted of females, with a male to female ratio of 0.7:1. The highest occurrence of head and neck mass lesions within this study group was observed in individuals aged 21 to 30 years. Among the 566 cases examined, most aspirates were derived from lymph nodes, totaling 262, which represents 46.2%, followed by Thyroid 137 (24.2%), Soft tissue 135 (23.9%). The least common was Salivary gland lesions constituting 32 (5.7%). Conclusion: Although, histopathology is gold standard, FNAC is minimally invasive procedure aiding accurate diagnosis, guides appropriate intervention and need for radical surgical management.

Keywords

Cytology, FNAC (fine needle aspiration cytology), Head and Neck swellings, Histopathology