Diagnostic values of fine needle aspiration cytology and frozen section in management of parotid tumors

Abstract

Background: This study aims to investigate the diagnostic values of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and frozen section (FS) in evaluating parotid gland masses subjected to parotidectomy. Methods: A retrospective analysis of data from 274 patients who underwent parotidectomy for parotid gland masses was performed at the Department of Otolaryngology of the University Hospital between 2013 and 2019. We compared the preoperative FNAC and intraoperative FS records with the definitive histopathological diagnoses obtained from the surgical resection specimens. Results: The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive, and negative predictive value of FNAC in reaching the correct diagnosis were 65.1%, 94.1%, 88.7%, 77.1%, and 92.1%, respectively. The FS analysis values were 92.9%, 97.2%, 95.3%, 96.3%, and 94.6%, respectively. Additionally, the true-positive, true-negative, false-positive, and false-negative cases are documented and discussed. Conclusions: Although FNAC is a commonly used, easy, and reliable diagnostic method for parotid tumors, the diagnostic values observed in our study are low. FS analysis appears to be a more robust method. Therefore, we recommend a balanced use of these diagnostic tools, informed by clinical judgment, patient considerations, and available resources, to optimize outcomes in the management of parotid gland tumors.