The accuracy of fine needle aspiration cytology in the diagnosis of non thyroid neck masses : experience at Queen Alia Military Hospital

Abstract EN

Objective : To assess the accuracy of cytological examination of non thyroid neck masses and to correlate the findings between cytology and subsequent histopathology examination at Queen Alia Military Hospital between 2001 and 2005.

Methods : This study was carried out at Queen Alia Military Hospital between January 2001 and December 2005.

The records of 104 adult patients, over a five-year period were reviewed.

The definitive diagnosis of the palpable mass was determined by review of the patient’s case notes.

Results : Sixty-four (61.5%) of all neck masses were originally classified by fine needle aspiration as benign, 30 (28.8%) as malignant, and 10 (9.6%) as nondiagnostic.

Histopathology of all the excised 104 specimens revealed that 70 (67.3%) had benign disease and 34 (32.7%) had malignant disease.

The most common benign disease was pleomorphic adenoma with a sensitivity of 88.2%, a specificity of 98.1%, and an overall accuracy of 93.3%.

The most common malignant pathology was squamous cell carcinoma with a sensitivity of 88.9%, a specificity of 100% and an overall accuracy of 98.0%.

Overall, for benign and malignant tumors combined, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 86.9, 96.3, and 92.3%, respectively.

Conclusion : Fine needle aspiration biopsy in experienced hands is a good screening test with acceptable sensitivity and specificity in the assessment of non thyroid neck masses.