DefinePK

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the accuracy and efficacy of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in neck masses / cervical lymphadenopathy.Study Design: Cross-sectional study.Place & Duration: This study was conducted at department of ENT / Head & Neck Surgery Liaquat National Hospital Karachi from April 2002 to July 2004.Subjects and Methods: Total of 65 patients with neck mass / enlarged cervical lymph nodes were selected from out patients department. All patients were evaluated through detailed history, general physical and otolaryngology examination. Pathologist performed all FNAC procedures and postoperative specimens were also examined at histopathology department for histopathology diagnosis. All the FNAC results were correlated with final histopathology diagnosis. Frequencies and percentages were computed to FNAC & histological findings, and taking histopathology as gold standard criteria performedsensitivity, specificity and accuracy analysis.Results: Out of 65 patients enrolled in the study, 43 were males and 22 were females, (M: F 2:1). Pathology wise 44 were benign and 21 were malignant. In 44 benign cases, 42 were true negative and 2 were false negative, while out of 21 malignant cases, 20 were true positive and 1 was false positive. Over all sensitivity was 90.0%, specificity 97.6% and accuracy 95.3%.Conclusion: FNAC is reliable, safe and accurate test as first line for evaluation of neck masses/ cervical lymphadenopathy. It could differentiate the inflammatory and infective process from neoplastic one and avoids unnecessary surgeries.