ABSTRACT

Conclusion:

A benign FNAB result does not necessarily exclude a malig-nancy in major salivary gland masses. So, the patients should be evaluated taking into account the clinical findings, FNABresults and other diagnostic methods like utrasonography, computed to-mography.

Results:

FNAB was performed on 24 (44,4%) parotid and 30 (55,5%) submandibular salivary gland masses. Forty-nine of these masses (90,7%) were classified as benign, three (5,55%) were malignant, and two (3,7%) were reported as insufficient material. Among the cases determined to be malignant by histopathologic evaluation, there were two false negatives and one true positive result by FNAB. Sensitivity, specificity and correct diagnosis rates were 33,3%, 100%, 96,1%, respectively.

Material and Method:

Among the patients operated between 2005 and 2008, FNAB results of 54 patients were available and were compared to histopathologic diagnosis. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy rate of FNAB were investigated for parotid, submandibular salivary glands and for the whole patient population.

Purpose:

To discuss the value of fine needle aspiration biopsy in the diag-nosis of major salivary gland masses.