CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL STUDY OF NECK MASSES IN PATIENTS ATTENDING ENT OUT PATIENT DEPARTMENT

Abstract

Aim: to evaluate the efficacy and precision of FNAC in the diagnosis of neck masses in this study.

Materials and Methods: The present prospective study was carried out among 46 patients attended the ENT OPD reported with the history of neck swelling. Study was conducted over a period of two years from JUNE 2021 to OCTOBER 2022. Sample size was achieved by using the randomization table obtained from the WINPEPI Software. To arrive at a tentative diagnosis, a thorough examination, full history taking, and basic pertinent investigations were completed on all 46 patients in accordance with the proforma.

Results: Mean age of the study population was 37.67±15.04. Out of 46 patients, 31 were women and 15 were men. The anterior region of the neck was affected in 43.48% of patients, according to the table above. 15.22% of patients had neck involvement in the submental region. Out all, 58.70 % of swelling in our study were firm, followed by 13 % of swelling were soft and cystic in consistency. 20 thyroid swellings in total, 1 of which was equivocal on FNAC but was later diagnosed as colloid goitre by HPE. There were 11 lymph nodes swelling FNAC reports that were similar to HPE out of a total of 21, whereas the remaining 10 reports were not. Out of total 21 lymph node swelling 1 was inconclusive on FNAC which on HPE turned out to be reactive lymphadenopathy.

Conclusion: We draw the conclusion that fine needle aspiration cytology is easy and safe approach for diagnosing a variety of neck swellings.