Precisión diagnóstica de la citología por punción aspiración con aguja fina en tumores de la glándula parótida

Introduction and objectivesFine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a globally accepted technique in the preoperative evaluations of head and neck tumours; however, the effectiveness in the interpretation of salivary glands neoplastic lesions is still controversial. The objective of this study consisted of assessing the efficacy of FNAC in preoperative diagnosis of parotid tumours.MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted using 93 patient samples with parotid gland tumoral pathology, treated at the Otorhinolaryngology Department in our institution during the 2007-2011 period. Preoperative FNAC was employed and the patients subsequently submitted to surgical excision with histopathological diagnosis of the specimen. Cytology results were classified as negative for malignancy, positive for malignancy or insufficient sample, and later compared with the definitive histological diagnosis.ResultsThe mean age of the studied sample was 52.9 years (range: 11 to 88 years); 55.9% were men. The FNAC showed significant sensitivity of 57.1%, with a specificity of 95.1%, for detecting malignancy in parotid gland tumours. The positive and negative predictive values for malignancy were 50 and 96.3%, respectively.ConclusionsFNAC is considered a simple test but of limited use for diagnostic guidance in tumour pathology of the parotid gland in our environment, mainly because of its low sensitivity. However, the high specificity and high negative predictive value of FNAC makes it a more accurate test in benign or negative result cases.     

The role of fine-needle aspiration cytology and magnetic resonance imaging in the management of parotid mass lesions

Conclusion. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is the diagnostic modality of first choice for characterization of parotid mass lesions, while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) should not be requested routinely. MRI can be reserved until FNAC shows the indication for surgical intervention. Objectives. Although both FNAC and MRI are useful preoperative diagnostic modalities for parotid mass lesions, it is not well established which modality is more effective. In the present study we sought to address the relative value of FNAC and MRI in relation to the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant parotid mass lesions. Subjects and methods. Eighty-one patients with parotid mass lesions (60 benign and 21 malignant) who had preoperatively undergone FNAC and MRI were reviewed retrospectively. Results. Unsharp margin and infiltration into adjacent tissues on MRI significantly correlated with a malignant histology. The sensitivity/specificity/accuracy of FNAC and MRI were 90%/95%/94% and 81%/92%/89%, respectively. Either FNAC or MRI served equally to predict the malignant nature of parotid mass lesions. Furthermore, the combination of FNAC and MRI yielded no diagnostic advantage over either modality alone. Accurate histological typing rates by FNAC were 80% and 62% for benign and malignant lesions, respectively.     

The role of fine-needle aspiration cytology and magnetic resonance imaging in the management of parotid mass lesions

Conclusion. Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is the diagnostic modality of first choice for characterization of parotid mass lesions, while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) should not be requested routinely. MRI can be reserved until FNAC shows the indication for surgical intervention. Objectives. Although both FNAC and MRI are useful preoperative diagnostic modalities for parotid mass lesions, it is not well established which modality is more effective. In the present study we sought to address the relative value of FNAC and MRI in relation to the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant parotid mass lesions. Subjects and methods. Eighty-one patients with parotid mass lesions (60 benign and 21 malignant) who had preoperatively undergone FNAC and MRI were reviewed retrospectively. Results. Unsharp margin and infiltration into adjacent tissues on MRI significantly correlated with a malignant histology. The sensitivity/specificity/accuracy of FNAC and MRI were 90%/95%/94% and 81%/92%/89%, respectively. Either FNAC or MRI served equally to predict the malignant nature of parotid mass lesions. Furthermore, the combination of FNAC and MRI yielded no diagnostic advantage over either modality alone. Accurate histological typing rates by FNAC were 80% and 62% for benign and malignant lesions, respectively.     

Critical clinical appraisal of the role of ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytology in the management of parotid tumours

OBJECTIVE: Fine needle aspiration cytology is a well established tool for investigating many head and neck conditions. Its application in parotid tumours is, however, controversial. This article is aimed at defining the role of ultrasound guided fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the diagnostic work up of parotid tumours. The accuracy and utility of FNAC of parotid tumours was also assessed. DESIGN: Retrospective case note review. SETTING: District general hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Review of 69 patient records who had parotid surgery under one surgeon's care (JS). Clinical opinion, FNAC results and final pathology findings were examined. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The results of the FNAC were compared to the histopathological diagnosis obtained from the surgical specimen. RESULTS: Histological evaluation revealed 13 malignant tumours and 56 benign lesions. The overall sensitivity of FNAC was 84.6 per cent and specificity was 96.4 per cent. We noted 11 true positive, 54 true negative, two false negative and two false positive results. Positive predictive value for diagnosing malignancy was 84.6 per cent and negative predictive value for malignancy was 96.4 per cent. The overall accuracy of FNAC of parotids in this study was 94.2 per cent. CONCLUSIONS: FNAC results provide useful preoperative information. FNAC enables more reliable patient counselling and reduces pathological surprises. Pre-operative recognition of malignant tumours may help prepare both the surgeon and patient for an appropriate surgical procedure. Its enhancement of the pre-operative recognition of malignant parotid tumours may alert more stringent attention to the operative margin and hence better tumour clearance. Ultrasound guided FNAC was found to be highly specific for malignancy and its sensitivity for malignancy was good.     

Value of Fine‐Needle Aspiration Cytology of Parotid Gland Masses

Objective To evaluate the usefulness and accuracy of fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the diagnosis of parotid gland masses. Study Design Retrospective chart review of patients undergoing FNAC. Methods Between January 1990 and December 1998, 410 parotid glands were resected at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Berne, Inselpital (Berne, Switzerland). Included in the study were 228 cases with preoperative FNAC. In a retrospective study the results of FNAC were analyzed and compared with the corresponding histopathological diagnosis. Results Histological evaluation revealed 65 malignant tumors and 163 benign lesions (150 neoplasms and 13 nonneoplastic lesions). The cytological findings were nondiagnostic in 13 (5.7%), true‐negative in 146 (64%), true‐positive in 39 (17%), false‐negative in 22 (9.8%) and false‐positive in 8 (4.5%) cases in detecting malignant tumors. Nineteen of 39 (49%) malignant tumors (true‐positive) and 123 of 146 (84%) benign lesions (true‐negative) were classified accurately. The accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were 86%, 64%, and 95% respectively. Conclusions Fine‐needle aspiration cytology is a valuable adjunct to preoperative assessment of parotid masses. Preoperative recognition of malignant tumors may help prepare both the surgeon and patient for an appropriate surgical procedure.     

Precisión de la PAAF (punción aspiración con aguja fina) y la TAC (tomografía axial computerizada) en la diferenciación de tumores benignos y malignos de parótida en una serie de casos

Introduction

Parotid tumours, in addition to the wide variety of types, are histologically complex. Differentiating between benign and malignant tumours in preoperative diagnosis is important in deciding the type of surgery required. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a simple, quick, low-cost, low-invasive and well-tolerated tool used in the preoperative diagnosis of these tumours.

Management of parotid gland surgery in a university teaching hospital

The aim of our study was the evaluation of two controversial procedures used in surgical management of parotid tumours in a university teaching hospital: fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and continuous operative facial monitoring with nerve integrity monitor (NIM). We present a retrospective study of 96 consecutive cases of parotid gland surgical procedures, performed in our department of ENT Surgery (Bichat University Hospital) during a 2-year period. After the exclusion of nine patients (4 recurrent tumours, 3 insufficient data and 2 obviously malignant tumours with preoperative facial paralysis and necessary peroperative facial nerve sacrifice), the final group included 40 men and 47 women (mean age 46 years). FNAC, final histological diagnosis, NIM use, postoperative facial disorders and operative time were analysed. Other variables included age, sex, type of surgery and other postoperative complications. FNAC: 78 patients underwent FNAC. Positive predictive value for malignancy was 100%; negative predictive value 94.4%; sensitivity 63.6%; specificity 100%. NIM: surgery was performed without NIM for 41 patients, with for 46 patients. There was no significant difference in occurrence of facial disorders between the two groups. Operative time was significantly lower in group operated with NIM for extracapsular dissection, superficial parotidectomy and total parotidectomy. Because continuous efforts of modern health systems to improve operating room schedules may threaten resident surgeons training, using NIM and performing preoperative FNAC may help operative planning and improve medical education in a teaching hospital.     

A study of salivary gland aspiration cytology reporting: guideline validity

We retrospectively reviewed 44 cases of major salivary gland lesions surgically resected following preoperative fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). Our objective was to determine the validity of the salivary gland FNAC reporting proposed in 2004 by the Japanese Society of Clinical Cytology. Of the 44 lesions, 33 were in the parotid gland and 11 in the submandibular gland. Of these, 8 lesions were malignant. Two from benign lesions could not be satisfactorily evaluated, and 4 from benign lesions and 1 from a malignant lesion were indeterminate. Results were 3 true positive, 30 true negative, and 4 false negative, with no false positive results. Calculated sensitivity was 42.9% (4/7), specificity 100% (30/ 30), and accuracy 89.2% (34/37). We concluded that using the new reporting decreases ambiguity in clinicians' interpretation of cytology reports, thus benefitting subjects.     

Wertigkeit der Feinnadelpunktionszytologie bei Neoplasien der Glandula parotis

BACKGROUND: In many parts of Germany fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is still not part of the routine preoperative diagnostic evaluation of salivary gland neoplasms. Most opponents consider the study unnecessary and recommend that all salivary gland neoplasms should be excised. OBJECTIVE: Because of this an evaluated the ability of FNAB to provide an accurate diagnosis of parotid gland neoplasms. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Between January 1992 and October 1995, 336 patients referred for operative therapy of salivary gland neoplasms underwent retrospective analysis of preoperative FNAB compared with the excised tumor histology. RESULTS: Results showed that the FNAB had a sensitivity of 93.1%, a specificity of 99.2%, a positive predictive value of 93.1%, a negative predictive value of 99.2% and an accuracy of 98.6%. Complications were observed in less than 1%. DISCUSSION: Our findings demonstrated that the FNAB is a safe diagnostic tool that has a reliable sensitivity and high specificity for the assessment of salivary gland pathology. Since many malignant salivary gland neoplasms present with a virtual lack of symptoms indicating actual malignancy we believe that there is need for FNAB in routine preoperative diagnostic testing.     

Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of salivary gland lesions in a selected patient population

OBJECTIVE: To report the role of selective use of preoperative fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in patients with major salivary gland lesions at a tertiary care cancer center. DESIGN: Retrospective review of FNAB results compared with final histologic diagnosis as the criterion standard. SETTING: An academic tertiary care cancer center. PATIENTS: A consecutive series of 258 patients who underwent FNAB of major salivary gland lesions between 1996 and 2000, of whom 169 had surgical resection. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Predictive value, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. RESULTS: FNAB was performed in 169 (37%) of 463 salivary gland lesions undergoing surgical procedures. A total of 126 lesions were in the parotid gland and 44 in the submandibular gland. Seventy-nine lesions (46%) were malignant. There were 150 FNAB specimens (89%) that were satisfactory for evaluation. The FNAB diagnosis of malignant or suspicious lesion had positive and negative predictive values of 84% and 77%, respectively. Ten of 20 false-negative FNAB results were low-grade lymphoma on final histologic assessment. Fine-needle aspiration biopsy diagnosis of a benign neoplasm had positive and negative predictive values of 83% and 88%, respectively. A cytopathologic diagnosis of a nonneoplastic lesion was predictive in only 47% of cases. Fifteen (47%) of 32 lymphocyte-predominant FNAB specimens were lymphoma on final histologic assessment. Ten (20%) of 49 patients with history of a solid, non-head and neck malignancy had evidence of distant metastasis to the salivary gland by histologic and/or cytopathologic assessment. CONCLUSIONS: An FNAB diagnosis of malignant or neoplastic major salivary gland disease is generally predictive of final histologic diagnosis. The predictive value of a negative FNAB finding is low, and should not supersede clinical suspicion. Cytologic findings of a lymphocyte-predominant lesion should prompt further workup to rule out lymphoma.     

Gutartige Tumoren der Glandula parotidea

Background

Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a widely used diagnostic tool to evaluate neoplastic or inflammatory tumorous lesions of the salivary glands. This method influences the selection of the modality of surgical treatment. In cases of benign tumors of the parotid gland, a (partial) superficial parotidectomy is usually recommended. However, for tumors other than pleomorphic adenomas (such as cystadenolymphomas, other adenomas, or benign tumor-like lesions) this operation is considered an overtreatment because extracapsular satellites are rare and recurrences in case of a capsular lesion are not likely. In such cases, a less extended surgery (enucleation) with lower morbidity is sufficient and can be carried out provided that pleomorphic adenomas and non-pleomorphic benign lesions are reliably differentiated prior to surgery. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of the FNAC in differentiating benign tumors of the parotid gland.

Methods

A retrospective evaluation of 160 cases of benign parotid gland tumors was performed and the cytological diagnoses compared with the histomorphological results. A collection of 26 cases with false-negative and false-positive results was reevaluated.

Results

FNAC showed a sensitivity of 74.2% and a specificity of 89.8% for differentiation between pleomorphic adenomas and non-pleomorphic benign lesions. The predictive value for pleomorphic adenomas was 82.1%, and for non-pleomorphic benign lesions 84.6%. Reevaluation showed higher sensitivity (96.2%), specificity (98.9%), and negative/positive predictive values (97.9% and 98.1%, respectively).

Discussion/conclusion

Poor quality and hypocellularity of the cytological smears seem to negatively effect the outcome of the cytological diagnosis. It is concluded that only an accurate diagnosis of non-pleomorphic adenoma or a benign tumor-like lesion, based on an adequate FNAC specimen and assessed by an experienced cytopathologist, can justify tumor enucleation because the risk of pleomorphic adenoma is only 2% under these circumstances.     

The role of fine needle aspiration biopsy in deep lobe parotid tumors: Comparison of preoperative cytology and postoperative histopathologic results

PurposeMajor salivary gland tumors constitute almost 3% of head and neck tumors. Tumors located exclusively in the deep lobe are not common and 20% of parotid gland tumors originate from deep lobe under the branches of the facial nerve. Accuracy of fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) procedure in salivary gland tumors have been studied extensively, however there isn't any data regarding usefulness of FNAB in tumors located exclusively in deep lobe of parotid gland. In this study we aimed to assess the use of FNAB in deep lobe parotid tumors.Materials and methodsWe retrospectively analyzed 51 patients with deep lobe parotid tumors who underwent surgery in our clinic between January 2013–December 2018. Characteristics of patients were recorded. Preoperative FNAB results and postoperative final histopathologic diagnosis were compared. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 24.0 was used for statistical analysis.ResultsThe number of patients that met the inclusion criteria was 51. The mean age of patients were 49.2(14–86). In 40 (78.4) of the patients, tumor was reported as benign and in 11 (21.6) patients FNAB diagnosis was suspicious for malignancy, malignant or non-diagnostic. In final histopathologic diagnosis, 42 of the tumors were benign and 9 were malignant. The most common benign tumor type was pleomorphic adenoma which constitutes 27 of the cases (52.9%). Regarding detection of malignant disease, the sensitivity of FNAB was 90.4%, specificity was 77.7%, positive predictive value was 95%, negative predictive value was 63.6%. There was a substantial agreement between FNAB and final histopathologic diagnosis(kappa = 0,628).ConclusionsFNAB is a safe and reliable tool to evaluate deep lobe parotid tumors. It is an important part of preoperative surgical planning and can help the surgeon in patient counseling. FNAB with ultrasound guidance is recommended for deep lobe tumors.     

Diagnostic accuracy and utility of fine-needle aspiration cytology in therapeutic management of parotid gland tumours

Introduction and objectives

The utility of fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in parotid tumours remains widely debated. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of FNAC in diagnosing parotid tumours.

Comparative analysis of benign and malignant parotid gland tumors: A retrospective study of 992 patients

ObjectiveWe analyzed and compared the clinical characteristics of benign and malignant parotid gland tumors.Patients and methodsA total of 992 patients who underwent surgical treatment for parotid gland tumors from January 2010 to December 2020 were included in this study. This study population was subdivided into benign (n = 812, 81.9 %) and malignant parotid gland tumors (n = 180, 18.1 %).ResultsPleomorphic adenoma is the most common benign tumor and mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most common malignant tumor. The patients with malignant parotid gland tumors were older than the patients with benign lesions. The duration of symptoms was longer in patients with benign parotid gland tumors compared to those with malignant lesions. The size of the malignant tumors was larger than that of the benign lesions. Preoperative fine-needle aspiration cytology had a diagnostic sensitivity of 50.3 %, diagnostic specificity of 98.7 %, a positive predictive value of 89.5 %, a negative predictive value of 89.9 %, and accuracy of 89.9 % for diagnosing malignant parotid gland tumors. For benign parotid gland tumors, superficial parotidectomy was most frequently performed, and for malignant parotid gland tumors, total parotidectomy was most frequently performed. Facial palsy was observed in 19.4 % of the patients with malignant parotid gland tumors compared to 5.4 % of those with benign tumors.ConclusionThe clinical features of benign and malignant parotid gland tumors showed differences in age, symptoms, duration of symptoms, size and site of the parotid tumors, surgical procedures, and postoperative facial nerve palsy.     

Parotid tumours: correlation between fine needle aspiration biopsy and histological findings

ObjectivesTo evaluate the role of the fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in the study of parotid masses.MethodsRetrospective review of FNAB results compared with final histological diagnosis in 148 patients with a parotid mass from 1993 to 2003.ResultsFNAB was performed in 93.92% of parotid masses. Eleven of these were not conclusive. The FNAB diagnosis of malignant o suspicious lesion had 81.25% of sensibility, 96.87% of specificity and positive and negative predictive values of 89.65% and 93.94%, respectively. The FNAB specific histopathologic diagnosis in the benign parotid masses were 92%, and 57.69% in the malign masses.ConclusionsFNAB is a diagnostic tool with a high negative predictive value, very usotul in the study of suspicious malignant parotid masses and whenever surgery is not possible.     

Is fine needle aspiration biopsy reliable in the diagnosis of parotid tumors? Comparison of preoperative and postoperative results and the factors affecting accuracy

IntroductionFine needle aspiration biopsy is a valuable tool in preoperative evaluation of head and neck tumors. However, its accuracy in management of salivary gland tumors is debatable.ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate the efficacy and the accuracy of fine needle aspiration biopsy in parotid gland tumors.MethodsPatients who underwent parotidectomy between January 2008 and June 2017 due to parotid gland tumor were examined retrospectively. Patients with both preoperative fine needle aspiration biopsy and postoperative surgical pathologies were included. Preoperative fine needle aspiration biopsy was categorized as benign, malignant or suspicious for malignancy. Surgical pathology was grouped as benign or malignant. Surgical pathology was compared with fine needle aspiration biopsy, and sensitivity, specificity, accuracy and agreement between both tests were investigated.Results217 cases were evaluated and 23 cases were excluded because the fine needle aspiration biopsy diagnosis was non-diagnostic or unavailable. 194 cases were included. The mean age of the patients was 47.5 ± 15.88 (7–82). There were 157 benign, 37 malignant cases in fine needle aspiration biopsy, 165 benign and 29 malignant cases in surgical pathology. The most common benign tumor was pleomorphic adenoma (43.3%), and malignant tumor was mucoepidermoid carcinoma (4.13%). The diagnostic accuracy for fine needle aspiration biopsy when detecting malignancy was 86.52%. Sensitivity and specificity were 68.96% and 89.63% respectively. Positive predictive value was 54.05% and negative predictive value was 94.23%. There was moderate agreement between fine needle aspiration biopsy and surgical pathology (κ = 0.52). The sensitivity was 54.54% in tumors less than 2 cm while 77.77% in larger tumors. In tumors extending to the deep lobe, sensitivity was 80%.ConclusionFine needle aspiration biopsy is an important diagnostic tool for evaluating parotid gland tumors. It is more accurate in detecting benign tumors. In tumors greater than 2 cm and extending to the deep lobe, the sensitivity of fine needle aspiration biopsy is high. The use of fine needle aspiration biopsy in conjunction with clinical and radiological evaluation may help to reduce false positive and false negative results.     

Diagnostic value of needle biopsy and frozen section histological examination in the surgery of primary parotid tumors

The necessity of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in the diagnosis and treatment of parotid gland lesions is still controversial. We examined the accuracy of cytology and histology in a review of 128 parotid gland tumors who underwent surgery with FNAB, n = 102 and/or frozen section examination (FS), n = 94. The diagnostic sensibility and specificity for malignant or benign lesions was respectively 81.5% and 97.5% for FNAB and 75% and 100% for FS as compared with definite histology (110 tumors were benign and 18 malignant). Insufficient material for FNAB evaluation was found in 12 patients mainly with small tumors (p = 0.043) or with tumors located in the deep process of the parotid gland (p = 0.029). Surgery was inappropriate (superficial lobe resection for malignant tumor) because of 4 false negative FS diagnoses. FNAB offers valuable information in the diagnosis of nonsurgical lesions and permits to avoid FS if FNAB identify a benign lesion. FS remains mandatory if FNAB evaluation is not possible or suggests a neoplastic tumor.     

Ultrasonography: Its role in nodular thyroid disease

Objective The objective was to correlate the number, size and extent of the nodules as determined during the preoperative clinical examination of the thyroid gland, USG, intra-operative examination and histopathology. Also, FNAC (with or without USG guidance) and USG findings suggestive of malignancy were correlated with the final histopathology. Setting Tertiary referral centre Patients A retrospective chart review was done for 106 patients who underwent surgery for benign or malignant nodular thyroid disease in our center, between Jan 2004–Dec 2006. Results USG has 7 times higher predictive value than clinical examination in detecting number of nodules and determining size of nodules. USG guided FNAC has a sensitivity of 85.71% and specificity of 90.0% in detecting malignancy in nodular thyroid disease. However for predicting malignancy in thryoid nodules, this study shows that USG has a sensitivity of 20.0% and specificity of 97.67%. Conclusion In patients with nodular thyroid disease, USG can accurately determine the number and the size of the nodules. It is extremely useful in guiding FNAC; However its role in predicting malignancy is doubtful. We therefore recommend that USG guided FNAC be carried out as a routine in the evaluation of thyroid nodules.     

The value of fine-needle aspiration cytology in salivary gland lesions, 1994-2004

OBJECTIVE: Fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of the salivary gland is a commonly accepted, sensitive and specific technique in the diagnosis of both neoplastic and nonneoplastic lesions of the salivary gland. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of FNAC of salivary gland lesions and to decide whether the radiologist could perform it or not. METHODS: We aspirated 162 salivary gland lesions of 56 patients undergoing biopsy and excision. A cytopathologist and a surgical pathologist made histopathological and cytological examinations in a blinded fashion. RESULTS: In the present study, among the FNAC performed in 162 patients with salivary gland masses, 15 (9%) were inadequate, and the remaining 147 were diagnostic. Of the 162 cases, 56 (35%) were also checked histologically. With FNAC there were 89 (55%) nonneoplastic and 58 (36%) neoplastic lesions. With FNAC 45 of the neoplastic lesions were benign and 13 malignant tumors. When cytohistopathological correlation was performed, the overall accuracy in diagnosing benign and malignant lesions was 91 and 78%, respectively, except for 2 malignant lymphoma cases. The sensitivity and specificity for benign and malignant lesions were 72 and 100%, respectively. The diagnostic sensitivity for all neoplastic and nonneoplastic lesions was 84% and the specificity 92%. There was 1 false-positive result, in which a nonneoplastic lesion was misdiagnosed as a Warthin's tumor. Fifteen (26%) cases were false-negative, 12 of which were undefined. CONCLUSION: FNAC is a useful and reliable tool in the diagnosis of salivary gland masses when performed by a radiologist or a clinician. There are no contraindications, and complications are minimal.     

Fine-needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of salivary gland lesions. The role of the Milan system for reporting cytopathology

BackgroundFine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is an established technique in the management of salivary gland lesions. The Milan System for reporting salivary gland cytopathology (MSRSGC) intents to standardize diagnostic categories. Current studies are trying to evaluate the diagnostic approach of this system.MethodsFNAC of salivary gland lesions were retrieved over an 11-year period. 185 FNAC specimens from 182 patients were reviewed blindly and classified according to the criteria established by the MSRSGC. 136 (74.7%) patients had follow-up of their processes.ResultsThe total number of diagnostic categories and risk of malignancy (ROM) in 185 specimens were the following: non-diagnostic 39 (21.1%; ROM 12%), non-neoplastic 35 (18.9%; ROM 0%), atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) 17 (9.2%; ROM 46.1%), benign neoplasm 75 (40.5%; ROM 4.9%), salivary gland neoplasm of uncertain malignant potential 4 (2.2%; ROM 100%), suspicious for malignancy 7 (3.8%; ROM 100%), malignant 8 (4.3%; ROM 100%). No false positives were observed in groups IVb, V, and VI in this series. The overall sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, positive predictive value and diagnostic accuracy were 88%, 91.8%, 96.3%, 76.7%, and 91% respectively.ConclusionThe ROM reported in our study was in keeping with ROM published by the MSRSGC. This system provides standardized information for risk stratification. The category AUS encompassed cases causing uncertainty representing a challenge in management. Defining criteria for AUS category need to be refined. The system facilitates communication between pathologists and clinicians favoring improvement in patient care.