Role of fine-needle aspiration citology in the diagnosis of parotid gland tumors: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Fine- Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) has been widely used as a diagnostic tool in clinical practice and is a well-established tool for investigation many head and neck conditions. Its application in Parotid Gland Tumours (PGTs) is however controversial: preoperative diagnose of parotid cancers remains an up-to-date issue in hospitals and still generates discrepancies among physicians. However, a false diagnosis for neoplasia can result a delay of treatment and progression of a disease. In this sense, giving medical evidence of a reliable and accurate approach that provides adequate information on what concerns preoperative diagnosis is the endpoint of this project, because effective treatment for PGTs starts with an accurate preoperative diagnose. Purpose: The goal of the present work is to determine the accuracy of Fine-Needle Aspiration Cytology in the preoperative detection of Parotid Gland Tumours at the Hospital Doctor Josep Truetas Oral and Maxillofacial unit by calculating its sensitivity, specificity positive and negative predictive value and accuracy. Design: A prospective diagnostic test study with cross-sectional design carried out in a tertiary referral hospital in Girona, in a period time of three years. Participants: A total of 80 patients suspected of having parotid cancer who visit the Oral and Maxillofacial Service of Hospital Universitari Doctor Josep Trueta (HUDJT)