title: Salivary gland tumors. Fine-needle aspiration vs frozen-section diagnosis.
abstract: We examined the relative accuracy of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and frozen section (FS) in the diagnosis of salivary gland tumors; FNAB completely and accurately diagnosed 35 (88%) of 40 cases, including ten (100%) of ten nonneoplastic lesions, 20 (87%) of 23 benign, and five (71%) of seven malignant tumors. No complications were encountered with this procedure. These results compare favorably with previously published reports. Twenty-one of 40 tumors diagnosed by FNAB and FS at surgery. Sixteen (76%) of 21 of these were correctly diagnosed by FNAB, and 15 (71%) of 21 by FS. Cystic lesions gave the most diagnostic difficulties both on FNAB and FS. Worldwide, FNAB has been demonstrated to be a cost-effective, accurate, and safe procedure. Furthermore, the use of FNAB allows for better preoperative management and overall treatment planning.
mesh_terms: D000230:Adenocarcinoma / Q000473:pathology; D000235:Adenolymphoma / Q000473:pathology; D008949:Adenoma, Pleomorphic / Q000473:pathology; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005629:Frozen Sections; D006801:Humans; D008867:Microtomy; D011300:Preoperative Care; D012468:Salivary Gland Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*