Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and its correlation with postoperative histopathological results in parotid gland masses.

METHODS: Hospital records of 90 patients (37 males, 53 females; mean age 48.4±3.5 years; range 18 to 84 years) who underwent parotidectomy at our clinic between January 2009 and February 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients’ age, sex, operation method, preoperative FNAB results, and postoperative histopathological results were evaluated.

RESULTS: Fine-needle aspiration biopsy results revealed pleomorphic adenoma in 37 patients (41.1%), warthin tumor in 14 patients (15.5%), other benign tumors and lesions in 10 patients (11.1%), nondiagnostic tumor in nine patients (10%), suspicious malignant tumor in nine patients (10%), and malignant tumor in 11 patients (12.2%). Sensitivity and positive predictive value of FNAB for pleomorphic adenoma were 81.8% and 72.9% respectively. Sensitivity and positive predictive value of FNAB for warthin tumor were 78.5% and 78.5% respectively. According to malignancy evaluation, FNAB sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy rate were 69.6%, 93.1%, 80%, 88.5%, and 86.4% respectively in 81 patients. While false negative FNAB results were obtained in seven patients, false positive results were obtained in four patients. Histopathological results revealed benign tumor in 67 patients (74.5%), and malignant tumor in 23 patients (24.5 %).

CONCLUSION: The diagnostic role of preoperative FNAB in parotid masses is not 100%. Although FNAB can give false negative and false positive results, it provides valuable information for surgeons. Therefore, we recommend FNAB in the management of parotid gland masses.