Objective :
In this study, 50 patients with neck swelling were evaluated to compare clinical diagnosis with histopathological findings and assess diagnostic reliability.
Methods :
This cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, from July 2015 to June 2017. Diagnostic tools including fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), MRI, CT scan, and histopathological examination of postoperative specimens were used. Data were analyzed using tables, graphs, and figures.
Results :
Among 50 cases, 19 were male and 31 were female (male:female ratio 1:1.63). The age ranged from 4 to 60 years, with most patients in the 4th decade. The majority of patients were from lower socioeconomic groups.
Histopathology revealed tubercular lymphadenopathy in 12 cases, metastatic carcinoma and lymphoma in 5 cases each, nodular goiter in 12 cases, thyroid carcinoma in 5 cases, and the remaining cases were benign, congenital, or nonspecific inflammatory conditions.
FNAC provided correct diagnosis in 45 cases. In 5 cases, results were either unsatisfactory or inconclusive. Among inconclusive cases, 3 were follicular neoplasms, which were later confirmed as 1 follicular adenoma and 2 follicular carcinomas on histopathology.
FNAC sensitivity was 91% for tuberculosis, 100% for metastatic carcinoma and salivary gland tumors, 92% for nodular goiter, and 60% for thyroid malignancy. It showed 100% accuracy in diagnosing papillary thyroid carcinoma.
Conclusion :
FNAC is a highly useful diagnostic tool that can significantly reduce the need for open biopsy. Despite some limitations, it remains a reliable method for evaluating neck masses.