Intraoral and Oropharyngeal Lesions: Role of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology in the Diagnosis

Abstract

The oral cavity is affected by a wide range of pathologic lesions, for which a morphologic diagnosis is required for proper management. Fine needle aspiration (FNA) is being increasingly used for preliminary diagnoses of such lesions. This is retrospective analysis of intraoral and oropharyngeal lesions diagnosed with FNAC over a period of 7 years. Out of total 55 cases, a definite diagnosis could be made on cytology in 50 cases (90.9 %). These 50 cases were further included in the study. Thirty cases were reported as non-neoplastic and 20 as neoplastic (11 benign and nine malignant). The diagnoses were made taking into account the background material (blood, mucin) and the predominant cells present (neutrophils, lymphoid cells, macrophages, hemosiderin laden macrophages, squamous cells, basaloid cells, spindle cells, giant cells). Histopathological diagnosis was available in 17 cases and corresponded with FNA diagnosis in 16 cases (94.12 %). No significant complications were seen in patients undergoing these FNAs. It can be concluded that FNA is a simple and rapid diagnostic test that can be useful for preliminary assessment of oral and oropharyngeal lesions.

Utility of Fnac With Cytomorphological Pitfalls in Intraoral Lesions- A 6-Year Experience at a Tertiary Care Hospital

“…Intraoral lesions comprise a wide variety of pathologic lesions with distribution at many distinct anatomical sites. [2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] The aetiology of intraoral lesions is not exactly known. However, allergic reaction, dietary habits, betel nut chewing, tobacco use and vitamin deficiency have been noted as underlying causes in many cases.…”

“…The prevalence rate of intraoral lesions varies from 0.2 -0.6% with male preponderance. [4][5][6][7] Though biopsy is used commonly to diagnose these intraoral lesions, but it requires anaesthesia and pose problems in diagnosing the transmucosal lesions. FNAC is frequently used in diagnosis of lesions of head and neck region, but its role in evaluation of intraoral lesions is limited.…”

“…FNAC is frequently used in diagnosis of lesions of head and neck region, but its role in evaluation of intraoral lesions is limited. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10] This is due to the inaccessibility of the intraoral lesions and poor patient's compliance. Other factors which decrease the sensitivity and specificity of FNAC are small size and deeper location of lesions which make it difficult to fix these lesions during FNAC.…”

“…provide an early probable diagnosis and help the clinicians in avoiding or choosing the surgical interventions wherever applicable. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12] Here, we present a series of cases of intraoral lesions diagnosed on cytology in the past 6 years along with their histological correlation and the cytomorphological pitfalls.…”

Diagnostic Utility of Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology in Oral Cavity and Oropharyngeal Lesions

“…Oral and oropharyngeal lesions may arise from surface mucosa, minor salivary glands, mesenchymal tissue, and lymphoid structures. A diversity of lesions including non neoplastic commonly presenting as inflammatory or cystic and neoplastic as benign or malignant neoplasms can occur within the oral cavity and oropharynx which requires a proper diagnosis for further management 2 . Advantage of aspiration in oral cavity and oropharynx are easy follow up of previously diagnosed cases and preoperative diagnosis of lesion, helping clinicians and patient to discuss and plan better for further management 3 .…”