Audit of head and neck fine needle aspiration cytology from a tertiary institution in south - west Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: FNAC is a well-established initial investigative tool for head and neck masses due to its being cost effective, quick to perform, low associated morbidity, high patient acceptability and high diagnostic accuracy. This study aimed to audit the utilization and deployment of FNAC in the management of head and neck masses in our hospital

Methods: This is a retrospective study of all patients presenting for fine needle aspiration cytology of lesions in the head and neck region at our hospital for fifteen years (from 2008 to 2017). All data were extracted from the FNA clinic records. The data was analyzed using the SPSS version 21 and results presented as figures and percentages.

Results: During the study period, 3194 patients were seen, 2789 had complete information for analysis. There were 875 males (31.4%) and 1914 females (68.6%). The ages ranged between 1 year and 103 years. Overall mean age was 39.7 + 17.9 years. The commonest site was the anterior neck, accounting for 1323 (47.4%) of the lesions. Cervical lymph nodal swellings accounted for 548 (19.6%)]. Benign lesions constituted 35%. A total of 160 (5.7%) specimens were reported as inconclusive. Malignant lesions had the highest prevalence in the 1-10year age group. There was no complication reported with any of the procedures.

Conclusion: FNAC is an established tool for investigating head and neck lesions in our hospital. The practice however needs to be further developed in line with the recommendations of National Institute for Clinical Excellence for improved outcomes.

Keywords: Fine needle aspiration cytology, head neck masses