Ultrasound-guided core-needle biopsy in the diagnosis of head and neck masses: indications, technique, and results.
BACKGROUND
Unclear cervicofacial masses are common presentations that often require tissue sampling to guide therapy. While open biopsy is invasive, fine-needle aspiration cytology includes a high rate of nondiagnostic samples.


METHODS
A retrospective analysis on 181 core-needle biopsies in 88 patients was performed to determine the diagnostic efficacy of ultrasound-guided core-needle biopsies in the head and neck.


RESULTS
We experienced 100% success in obtaining high-quality histopathologic specimens. The target tissue was correctly sampled in 80 of 88 patients. In these patients the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy rate of core-needle biopsies in differentiating benign from malignant cervicofacial lesions was 98.1%, 100%, and 98.8%, respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
Ultrasound-guided core-needle biopsies can be recommended as a safe and reliable technique in the diagnosis of cervicofacial masses with a high diagnostic yield. It obtains tissue samples of high quality and represents a sufficient alternative to open biopsy even in the diagnosis of lymphoma.
Pfeiffer
Jens
J
Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Freiburg Medical School, Freiburg, Germany.
Kayser
Gian
G
Technau-Ihling
Katja
K
Boedeker
Carsten Christof
CC
Ridder
Gerd Jürgen
GJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000379:methods*; D002277:Carcinoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008223:Lymphoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted; D014463:Ultrasonography