Authors: Ambereen Anwar Imran , Tahira Tabassum , Ameena Ashraf , Bushra Nisar , Khalida Ahtesham

Abstract

Background and Objective: Neck swellings are very common conditions which can be diagnosed in a short time by doing fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). It is used to diagnose different inflammatory and neoplastic conditions of lymph nodes, thyroid, salivary glands and soft tissues. Moreover, it is cost effective and has no or minimal side effects.
Methods: A total of 100 patients with nock swellings were included. A prospective study was conducted from January, 2018 to May, 2019. Cytological diagnosis was made and correlated clinically. Data analysis was done by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20 and expressed as frequency and percentage.
Results: Among hundred FNAC procedures were performed, of which majority (95%) were benign, and a few (5%) were malignant. Out of total 60 Lymph node lesions, chronic granulomatous inflammation, was the most common (53.33%). There were two cases of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and one of meta-static carcinoma in lymph node. In all 30 cases of thyroid lesions, frequency of benign follicular lesions (Bethesda II) was 86.66%. Pleomorphic adenoma (50%) was the commonest amongst salivary gland lesions.
Conclusion: Fine needle aspiration cytology is a simple and effective method of assessing neck lumps. FNAC can differentiate infective and benign conditions from malignant ones and helps in speedy and safe diagnosis of patients with optimal guidance for further excision.

Keywords: Fine needle aspiration cytology, Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, Pleomorphic adenoma