A Comparative Evaluation of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology and Histopathological Examination in Diagnosis of Salivary Gland Neoplasm in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Raipur City (C.G.) India

Introduction-Salivary gland neoplasms have been the object of intense curiosity for many centuries. They are a morphologically and clinically diverse group of neoplasm, which may present significant diagnostic and management challenges. These neoplasms can be approached by fine needle aspiration cytology and in many instances; a correct definitive diagnosis can be rendered. FNAC can provide accurate tissue diagnosis and distinguish between benign and malignant neoplasm. The current study was undertaken to study the cytomorphological features of the various salivary gland neoplasm and assess the diagnostic accuracy of FNAC by comparing it with the histopathology. Material and Methods- The present prospective study was carried out in 45 patients with salivary glands neoplasm who were attended or admitted in Department of ENT and Surgery, Dr B.R.A.M. Hospital, Pt. J.N.M. Medical College, Raipur (C.G.) India during study period December 2012 to August 2014. Ultrasonography and fine needle aspiration cytology was done in all patients suspected of having salivary gland neoplasm. Histomorphology was assessed on routine H & E stained paraffin sections and the final histopathological diagnosis was compared with the FNAC findings to assess the accuracy of cytodiagnosis. Data was compiled in MS excel and checked for its completeness, correctness and then it was analyzed. Results- Maximum incidence of benign tumor was found at the age group of 41-50 yrs (17.77%), 21-30 yrs age group (13.33%) followed by 31-40 yrs (11.11%). Out of 45 cases, 60% were diagnosed as benign and 40% as malignant neoplasms. Histology was available in 41 cases and results were found to be similar in (88.8%) in benign neoplasms, whereas 31.11% similarity found between FNAC and histopathological examination. Conclusion- The overall diagnostic accuracy of FNAC was found 85.37%.Fine needle aspiration cytology is an important diagnostic tool in evaluating salivary gland neoplasm, considering the results and experiences of the present study.