title: The utility of liquid-based cytology in salivary gland fine-needle aspirates: experience of an academic institution.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To review the morphological features of salivary gland fine-needle aspirates (FNA) on ThinPrep® (TP) preparations. Emphasis is placed on the commonalities and specific differences between TP and conventional smear (CS) preparations.
  
  
  METHODS
  The cytology and surgical pathology archives were searched for 'salivary' or 'parotid' at our institution from 2003 to 2013 for cases processed by TP and with a range of specified diagnoses and surgical follow-up. These cases were reviewed by the authors. A review of the known literature was also performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Morphological features and artifacts were noted for the most common salivary gland lesions. General features noted in the literature were identified, along with novel features identified on our review of cases. Emphasis was placed on cellular alterations, extracellular differences and architectural changes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The multitude of both benign and malignant lesions coupled with the unique artifacts encountered on TP makes salivary gland FNAs difficult for most practicing pathologists and cytopathologists. For this reason, many laboratories have been reluctant to implement TP preparations for these lesions. With knowledge of the specific artifacts and differences on TP compared to CS, TP can be used with confidence without a compromise in diagnostic accuracy for adequately cellular samples.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, University Hospitals Case Medical Center/Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
authors.forename: Jason M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Rarick
authors.forename: Jay
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wasman
authors.forename: Claire W
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Michael
mesh_terms: D016477:Artifacts; D044963:Biopsy, Fine-Needle; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D007755:Laboratories, Hospital; D009820:Ohio; D065006:Papanicolaou Test; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012466:Salivary Gland Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology; D012468:Salivary Gland Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000473:pathology*; D013194:Staining and Labeling