Cytology of Salivary gland lesions with Histopathological correlation: A three year study in a tertiary care hospital

Back ground: Salivary gland lesions form about 2-6.5% of all head and neck neoplasms in adults. They are easily accessible for FNAC with lower risk factors compared to surgical biopsy. Methods: FNAC was done using 20 cc syringes and reporting was done according to Milan’s system for reporting salivary gland cytology. Cases from the year 2016 and 2017 were retrieved and recategorised according to Milan’s system for reporting salivary gland cytology. Histopathological examination was done on routine H & E (Haematoxylin and eosin) stained paraffin sections. Special stains and IHC was done where ever needed. Results: In the present study we had 47 cases of salivary gland lesions and histopathogical correlation was done in 43 cases as two were non diagnostic , two cases of metastatic melanoma and a single case of metastaic squamous cell carcinoma were not included. Male to female ratio was 1:1.7. Pleomorphic adenoma was the most frequent benign neoplasm while mucoepidermoid carcinoma was the most frequent malignant lesion. A statistical analysis was performed for the 43 cases histopathology of which was available. Sensitivity of 90% was observed, whereas the specificity was 95.65%. The positive and negative predictive values were 94.7% and 92%, respectively. Conclusions: FNAC being a simple, rapid, high patient compliance and cost effective, continues to have high diagnostic accuracy and is thus helpful for guiding management. Neoplasms with classic cytomorphology are easily diagnosed; however, in difficult cases showing overlapping features, the use of the Milan system could be beneficial.