Evaluation of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology in Diagnosis of Salivary Gland Lesions: A Teaching Hospital Based Study

Background: FNAC is a cytodiagnostic method based on the morphological findings of individual cells, group of cells, and microparticles of tissue, acquired using a needle. The role of FNAC for the diagnosis of salivary gland masses is well documented. The traditional open biopsy is no longer justified because of the risk of tumor spillage and damage to the facial nerve.Subjects and Methods:FNAC procedure was explained to the patient and patient was placed in a comfortable position. They were then subjected to fine needle aspiration cytology. Aspirations were carried out with 21 or 22 gauge needles of varying lengths with 10 ml syringes in a syringe holder after careful clinical examination of the lesion.Results:Chronic sialadenitis was the most common non-neoplastic lesion (13.2%) followed by cystic lesions (5.3%), acute on chronic sialadenitis (3.9%) and chronic granulomatous inflammation (2.6%). Pleomorphic adenoma (57.9%) was the most common benign neoplasm. Warthin’stumour accounted for (6.6%). Mucoepidermoid carcinoma was the most common malignant lesion (5.3%) followed by acinic cell carcinoma (1.3%), carcinoma-ex pleomorphic adenoma (1.3%) and adenoid cystic carcinoma (2.6%).Conclusion: Fine needle aspiration cytology of the salivary gland is a safe and reliable technique in the primary diagnosis of salivary gland lesions. Although, limitations are encountered while predicting specific lesions on cytology, especially when dealing with cystic and some malignant lesions.