F.N.A.C. AS DIAGNOSTIC TOOL OF PAROTID TUMORS AND ASSOCIATED PITFALLS IN CORRELATION WITH HISTOPATHOLOGY

Abstract

F.NA.C has been used for ages as a safe and economical tool for fast preoperative diagnosis of parotid tumors. It has certain pitfall which sometimes leads to misdiagnosis and consequently it may have affect on treatment of the tumors. Keeping in view of the diverse classification of parotid tumors’ information from cytology should be combined with radiology as well as clinical diagnosis.

Aim: To discuss some cases where there was discrepancy between cytological diagnosis and histopathological result and also suggest measures to improve the efficacy of F.N.A.C.

Material and methods: The study includes 50 cases of parotid tumours who presented to the  department of ENT at Government medical college Haldwani which is a tertiary referral centre during 2009 to 2016. Only adult patients were included and inflammatory swelling were excluded from the study. All patients evaluated  Contrast enhanced computerized tomography(CECT) and  Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) followed by Fine needle aspiration cytology .Preoperative diagnosis was made upon the findings of the above investigations and different types of  parotid surgeries  were done. . Final diagnosis was made on  histopathological  examination.

Result :The most common tumour  came out to be pleomorphic adenoma (23 cases-46%) followed by mucoepidermoid carcinoma(12cases-24%). In ten  cases there was no clear cut  association between cytological diagnosis and final histopathological diagnosis.

Conclusion: FNAC is highly sensitive and specific technique for diagnosis of many salivary gland swellings. FNAC can be used preoperatively to avoid unnecessary surgery and biopsy. Details of clinical information and radiologic features may help the pathologist to arrive at the appropriate diagnosis and reduce false interpretation. Pitfalls may also occur with improper technique of FNAC which can be overcome by proper caution.