Efficacy of fine needle aspirate biopsy in diagnosis of head and neck masses in Kenyatta National Hospital

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and role of FNA in the diagnosis of head and neck masses in KNH. Methodology: A crossectional prospective double blind study was done. The cytologist and pathologist did not know the results of either. A total of 141 patients with head and neck masses were inducted and 122 (86.5%) patients were done open biopsy. The results were compared to calculate the correlation of the two procedures. Results: An overall sensitivity 92.6% for all the head and neck masses was realized in this study. Male patients were 61 and 80 were female forming 43.3% and 56.7% respectively. The commonest age group affected was young adults 16-40 years with inflammatory and salivary gland masses forming 27% and 26.2% respectively. The mean duration to get FNA results was 7.29 days and 19.91 days with a statistical significance of p value < 0.001 Conclusion: The fine needle aspiration biopsy has become an invaluable tool to aid clinicians in the evaluation of the neck masses and is safe, faster, accurate, and cost- effective with minimal complications. The possibility of malignancy in any age group, especially in the late adult group, should never be overlooked. Close follow-up should be adhered to.