Analysis of fine-needle aspiration cytology of the salivary gland

Background/purpose: Fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology has been widely accepted as a safe method for diagnosis of salivary gland lesions. This study investigated the accuracy of FNA cytology of salivary gland lesions by correlation between histology and cytology. Methods: One hundred and thirty-one archived salivary gland FNA specimens collected between January 1994 and December 2002 from 131 patients were correlated with histopathology findings. The major reasons for false-negative and false-positive results in cytologic diagnosis were determined. Results: Considering the results of histopathology as the diagnostic standard, the sensitivity of FNA cytology in diagnosing malignancy was 74% (17/23) after excluding two cases which had a cytodiagnosis of suspicion of malignancy. Excluding eight cases that had a cytodiagnosis of suspicion of malignancy, the diagnostic specificity was 99% (97/98). There were six false-negative and one false-positive cases. Conclusion: This study demonstrated that FNA cytology of the salivary gland is a useful technique for diagnosis of salivary gland lesions. Inadequate labeling of the aspiration sites and insufficient cellularity were the most important factors that resulted in incorrect cytologic interpretation. ? 2008 Elsevier & Formosan Medical Association.