Article:

Role of FNAC in the diagnosis of salivary gland swellings

Abstract Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and efficacy of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) in various salivary gland swellings. Materials and methods: This retrospective study was performed at Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital (KMCTH) from January 2004- December 2006. During this period a total of 978 FNAC’s were done out of which 40 FNAC’s were on salivary gland swellings. Correlation was done between cytological smear slides and biopsy slides. Results: In this series of FNAC, 16 cases (40%) were benign neoplasms, 5 cases (12.5%) malignant neoplasms, non- neoplastic cysts 3 cases (7.5%) and inflammatory lesions 16 cases (40%).Histopathology was available in 24 cases out of which 22 cases correlated with cytology.There were no false positive reports but false negative result was seen in 4 cases.Sensitivity and specificity were 90% and 100% respectively. Conclusion: FNAC is useful in the diagnosis of salivary gland swellings especially in benign conditions with a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 100%. Key words: Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC); Salivary gland swelling (SGS)