Epithelial-mesenchymal transition dysregulation in prostate cancer: Insights from molecular unraveling and epidemiological analyses in Tunisia, North Africa.

INTRODUCTION: The progression of prostate cancer (PCa) has been linked worldwide, including in African populations, to the dysregulation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). METHODS: To clarify the connection among EMT markers, clinicopathological parameters, and epidemiological factors, we analyzed 35 PCa specimens from patients in Tunisia, a country in North Africa, arranged by stages. We also carried out extensive molecular and epidemiological analyses. RESULTS: Significant dysregulation of EMT genes was found, with an overexpression of ZEB-1, Twist, Snail-1, and Vimentin (p < 0.05) and underexpression of E-cadherin and ß-catenin (p < 0.05). Positive correlations were observed between transcription factors and the mesenchymal marker Vimentin (p < 0.001, r = 0.574; p = 0.029, r = 0.411; and p < 0.001; r = 0.506) according to Spearman correlation analyses, whereas negative correlations were found between epithelial markers (E-cadherin, ß-catenin) and Vimentin (p < 0.05; r < 0). Higher PSA, Gleason scores, and metastasis were all correlated with the dysregulation of EMT (p < 0.05). Notably, there was a positive correlation between higher consumption of tobacco (≥20 Packets per year) and Vimentin expression (p < 0.001, r = 0.854), suggesting a relationship between smoking and EMT activation in the Tunisian population. Moreover, Twist showed a positive correlation with diabetes (p < 0.001, r = 0.385), whereas no significant correlations were found between EMT markers and comorbidities such as hypertension and coronary insufficiency. These results demonstrate the intricate connection between molecular changes, epidemiological factors, and disease progression, and they emphasize the crucial role that EMT plays in promoting PCa aggressiveness in African populations, particularly in Tunisia. CONCLUSION: In summary, understanding these correlations could help develop focused treatment plans and enhance patient outcomes for PCa management in African settings.

An insight into the diagnostic, prognostic, and taxanes resistance of double zinc finger and homeodomain factor's expression in naïve prostate cancer.

Currently, clinical biomarkers are urgently needed to improve patient management to guide personal therapy for cancer. In this study, we investigate the deregulation of Zeb-1 in prostate cancer (PC) Tunisian patients. Expression patterns of the Zeb-1 were investigated in prostate adenocarcinoma and benign prostate biopsies using quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and 2-ΔΔCt method. Statistical analysis was used to identify differences across groups depending on gene expression level. Furthermore, we exploited a follow-up over 15 years to correlate Zeb-1 deregulation and clinical outcomes in PC patients. Based on ROC curve analyses, the AUC was found in discriminating PC patients from controls (AUC = 0.757; p < 0.001). In addition, the higher expression level was significantly associated with PSA, Digital Rectal Examination, Gleason score, tumor stage, and distant lymph node metastases. Moreover, Zeb-1 overexpression was correlated with shorter overall survival (OS) (p = 0.042), poor progression-free survival (PFS) (p = 0.007), and with resistance to taxanes (p = 0.012). Our data provide the aberrant expression of Zeb-1 in PC patients suggesting its potential diagnostic, prognostic, and theranostic role. Further functional studies are mandatory to strengthen these results and to uncover the molecular mechanism of this neoplasm. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-024-03941-8.

Prostatic condyloma acuminata: An uncommon endoscopic discovery in an asymptomatic 68-year-old male.

Prostatic condyloma acuminata is a rarely encountered clinical manifestation primarily linked to low-risk subtypes of human papillomavirus (HPV), such as HPV-6 and HPV-11. Unlike the more common anogenital presentation, prostatic condyloma acuminata remains an infrequent phenomenon, necessitating a nuanced approach to diagnosis and management. We present a case report involving a 68-year-old patient with an intricate medical history, where the discovery of prostatic condyloma acuminata presented diagnostic challenges and clinical intricacies.

Co-expression of Twist and Snai1: predictor of poor prognosis and biomarker of treatment resistance in untreated prostate cancer.

BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer (PCa) remains one of the most complex tumors in men. The assessment of gene expression is expected to have a profound impact on cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment decisions. The aim of this study was to determine the utility of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) transcription factors Twist and Snai1 in the treatment of naïve prostate cancer. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analyzed formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) prostate tissues from 108 PCa patients and 20 control biopsies using real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and 2-ΔΔCt methods for Twist and Snail gene expression. The expression of Twist and Snai1 mRNA was significantly overexpressed in primary tissues of PCa patients compared with controls using ROC curve. Statistical analysis showed that the mRNAs of these two genes expression Snai1 and Twist were positively correlated with tumor development and prognostic parameters as Gleason score (p < 0.001; r = 0.707) and (p < 0.001; r = 0.627) respectively. The results of Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that mRNA expression of Snai1 and Twist genes expression were significant predictors of poor overall survival (OS) (Log rank p < 0.001) and progression-free survival (PFS) of patients (Log rank p < 0.001). Furthermore, our results showed that the expression of Snai1 and Twist genes expression in primary tissues of PCa patients could predict resistance to androgen deprivation therapy (p < 0.001) and resistance to the acidic drugs abiraterone or enzalutamide (p < 0.001). However, these two transcription factors failed to predict taxanes resistance at the time of diagnosis (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that Snai1 and Twist are overexpressed during the onset and progression of PCa malignancies and may be theranostic markers of resistance to ADT, abiraterone, or enzalutamide therapy.

Correlation between E-cadherin/ß-catenin, Vimentin expression, clinicopathologic features and drug resistance prediction in naïve prostate cancer: A molecular and clinical study.

Although epithelial-mesenchymal markers play an important role in prostate cancer (PC), further research is needed to better understand their utility in diagnosis, cancer progression prevention, and treatment resistance prediction. Our study included 111 PC patients who underwent transurethral resection, as well as 16 healthy controls. Reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was used to examine the expression of E-cadherin, ß-catenin, and Vimentin. We found that E-cadherin and ß-catenin were underexpressed in primary PC tissues. E-cadherin expression was found to be inversely associated with prostate-specific antigen progression (PSA-P; serum marker of progression; p = 0.01; |r| = 0.262). Furthermore, the underexpression of two markers, E-cadherin and ß-catenin, was found to be associated with advanced tumor stage and grade (p < 0.05). On the other hand, Vimentin was overexpressed in PC patients with a fold change of 2.141, and it was associated with the diagnosis, prognosis, and prediction of treatment resistance to androgen deprivation therapy (p = 0.002), abiraterone-acid (p = 0.001), and taxanes (p = 0.029). Moreover, the current study highlighted that poor survival could be significantly found in patients who progressed after primary surgery, did not use drugs, and expressed these genes aberrantly. In Cox regression multivariate analysis (p < 0.05), a positive correlation between the Vimentin marker and coronary heart disease in PC patients was identified (p = 0.034). In summary, the present study highlights the diagnostic (p < 0.001), prognostic (p < 0.001), and therapeutic potential of Vimentin in primary PC (p < 0.05), as well as its implications for cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, we confirm the potential prognostic value of E-cadherin and ß-catenin.

Inflammatory suppurated tumor of urachus mimicking a malignant urachus adenocarcinoma.

This is a case report about a patient presenting with a urachal mass mimicking a urachus adenocarcinoma. Cystoscopy showed a vesicourachal patent diverticulum. Histological findings after the removal of the umbilicus, urachus, urachal tumor, as well as a bladder cuff, consisted of a nonspecific polymorphous suppurative inflammatory infiltrate. Urachal adenocarcinoma is an aggressive tumor with poor prognosis if not treated while it is still localized. Surgical excision is the only recommended treatment that offers the best chances of survival. As no preoperative procedure has been proven accurate enough to rule out the diagnosis of adenocarcinoma, surgery appears to be inevitable.

Coexistence of multiple clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma with renal oncocytoma: a case report.

Clear cell papillary renal cell carcinoma (CCPRCC) is a new entity, previously known as unclassified renal cell carcinoma, and initiallly identified in patients suffering of end-stage kidney failure. It is extremely rare to see this new entity associated with others renal malignant lesions. Case presentation: The authors report a case of a female 65-year-old suffering from end-stage kidney failure for 10 years, who presented with a double left renal tumor, composed by an oncocytoma associated to multiple CCPRCC, a very rare entity. A radical left nephrectomy was realized by lumbotomy, with an uneventful postoperative course. Histological examination was challenging. Immunohistological examination showed diffuse positivity of cytokertain 7. No local recurrence nor metastatic progression were found during the 12 months of follow-up. Clinical discussion: CCPRCC, is a new entity, previously known as the unclassified rena cell carcinoma, is a malignant renal tumor, initially reported in patients at end-stage kidney failure. Oncocytoma is a well-known rare benign renal tumor. The association of both is rare, and should be kept in mind, especially when scanoguided diagnosis biopsy is realized. Histopathological confirmation may be challenging, given the recent identification of CCPRCC. The nuclei disposal toward the luminal surface is a characteristic pathological landmark of CCPRCC. Immunohistopathological examination is of great help, showing a distinctive profile: diffuse staining for cytokertain 7 and carbonic anhydrase IX. Conclusion: CCPRCC is a new malignant pathological entity in renal tumors. It can be associated with other benign renal lesions. This should be taken into consideration while histopathological examination, mainly of scanoguided biopsy cores.

Unexpected isolated hepatic tuberculosis discovered during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A case report.

Isolated hepatic tuberculosis is a rare form of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. We report an exceptional case of a 51-year-old female patient complaining from right upper abdominal quadrant pain, who underwent laparoscopic surgery for millimetric gallbladder polyps. Preoperative ultrasound hepatic morphology and biochemical hepatic tests revealed no abnormalities. There were no clinical patterns for an active tuberculosis. During surgery time, scattered sub-centimeter whitish nodular lesions were discovered on the upper surface of the liver. Although gallbladder pathological examination did not reveal any significant abnormalities, per surgery hepatic biopsy indicated the presence of a giant cell granuloma with caseous necrosis highly suggestive of hepatic tuberculosis. Treatment by anti-bacillary drugs according to local standard protocol was conducted with favorable outcomes. Therefore, diagnosis of hepatic tuberculosis may be considered in endemic countries in totally asymptomatic patients or complaining from unexplained and isolated abdominal pain, in absence of any morphologic or biochemical hepatic abnormalities.

An insight into the diagnostic and prognostic value of HOX A13's expression in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

BACKGROUND: Several studies have interrogated the molecular pathways and their interacting genes underlying bladder cancer (BCa) tumorigenesis, yet, the role of homeobox genes is still poorly understood. Specifically, HOXA13, which plays an important role as a major actor in the urogenital tract's development. METHODS: Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed to inspect the differential expression of HOXA13 protein in non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) and non-tumoral tissues. A semiquantitative scoring system was adopted to evaluate the IHC labeling. Correlation to clinical parameters was performed by descriptive statistics. Overall survival was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression model. The functional HOX A13 protein association networks (PPI) were obtained using String 11.0 database. RESULTS: HOX A13 exhibited cytoplasmic and nuclear staining. Its expression levels were lower in high-grade NMIBC (HG NMIBC) compared to low-grade ones (LG NMIBC). The expression of HOX A13 was correlated to tumor grade (LG/HG) (p = 0.036) and stage (TA/T1) (p = 0.036). Nevertheless, its expression was not correlated to clinical parameters and was not able to predict the overall survival of patients with HG NMIBC. Finally, PPI analysis revealed that HOX A13 seems to be a part of a molecular network holding mainly PBX1, MEIS, ALDH1A2, HOX A10, and HOX A11. CONCLUSION: The deregulation of HOX A13 is not associated with the prognosis of BCa. It seems to be rather implicated in the early initiation of urothelial tumorigenesis and thus may serve as a diagnostic marker in patients with NMIBC. Further experimentations on larger validation sets are mandatory.

Management and prognosis of liposarcomas of the spermatic cord: an experience with six cases.

Liposarcoma of the spermatic cord (LSC) is a rare tumor with no consensus on therapeutic management. This study reports six new cases of LSC. The patients' age ranged from 56 to 80 years. All patients presented with a scrotal mass, and it was ultrasound that oriented the diagnosis. The initial treatment consisted of an inguinal orchiectomy. Anatomopathological study coupled with immunohistochemistry using the anti-MDM2 antibody confirmed that the tumors were well-differentiated LSC in four cases and dedifferentiated LSC in the other two cases. Adjuvant radiotherapy was performed in two patients. No recurrence was noted in these two patients at 14 and 34 months of follow-up. The only recurrence we had was local and occurred at 44 months of follow-up in a patient who had a dedifferentiated form ofLSC.

Uncovering the expression patterns and the clinical significance of miR-182, miR-205, miR-27a and miR-369 in patients with urinary bladder cancer.

BACKGROUND: Given the high recurrence and progression rates and the absence of reliable markers for early detection and prognosis prediction of patients with urothelial bladder cancer (BCa), the exploration of new biomarkers with high specificity is imperative. Mainly, microRNAs (miRNAs), which are involved in the initiation and the progression of BCa. Herein, the expression patterns of miR-182, miR-205, miR-27a and miR-369 were evaluated in patients with urothelial BCa. METHODS AND RESULTS: The expression levels of the miRNAs were investigated in 90 FFPE tissue samples (23 LG NMIBC, 44 HG NMIBC, 23 MIBC) and 10 non tumoral bladder tissues using TaqMan based RT-qPCR. Data analysis was performed using 2-ΔΔCT method. Correlation to clinical characteristics of the patients was performed using descriptive statistics and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to evaluate the diagnostic value of all miRNAs. MiR-27a, miR-205 and miR-369 were down-regulated whereas miR-182 was up-regulated in patients compared to controls (p < 0.001). MiR-205 and miR-182 positively segregate between NMIBC and MIBC (p = 0.002 and p = 0.000 respectively) whereas the distribution of miR-27a's expression among these tumor groups was almost significant (p = 0.05) and that of miR-369's expression was irrelevant (p = 0.618). Interestingly, miR-182 was discriminative between LG NMIBC and HG NMIBC (p < 0.001) and Ta/T1 tumors (p = 0.000). Furthermore, high levels of miR-182 were potentially predictive of progression in NMIBC patients (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: Collectively, a selection of miRNAs was found to be aberrantly expressed in BCa suggesting a potential diagnostic value in BCa. In addition, the clinical value of miR-182 and miR-205 as potential prognosis biomarkers was highlighted. Indeed, our data provide additional insights into cancer biology. Further functional or target studies are mandatory to strengthen these findings.

Bellini duct carcinoma revealed by cutaneous metastasis: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Cutaneous metastasis of renal cell carcinoma is rare and the majority of these metastases are asynchronous. The scalp and face are the major sites of metastases, followed by the chest and abdomen. However, the entire body surface can be affected. When diagnosed, patients are multi-metastatic in 50-80% of cases during follow-up post nephrectomy. CASE PRESENTATION: We report here a patient who consulted a dermatologist for multiple skin nodules that appeared 3 months prior. A skin biopsy of a nodule was performed and the pathological examination and immunohistochemistry profile confirmed a metastasis of Bellini Carcinoma, which is a renal cell carcinoma of the collecting duct. A thoraco-abdomino-pelvic scan showed a left renal tumor locally advanced with lung and liver metastases. Chemotherapy was indicated and the patient died four months after diagnosis. DISCUSSION: Bellini carcinoma is a very rare type of carcinoma of renal cell origin with a very poor prognosis as it is diagnosed already at a metastatic state in the vast majority of cases. After analysis of the data from the literature, our case is the second reported case of a Bellini carcinoma revealed by cutaneous metastases. The peculiarity of our observation is metastases occurred on all four limbs and at the trunk level, and the asymptomatic characteristic of Bellini's carcinoma, which is a rare situation. CONCLUSION: The originality of this observation is based on the mode of presentation of a rare renal tumor by an even rarer metastasis of the skin.

Primary Hydatid Cyst of the adrenal gland: A case report and a review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: In North Africa which is an endemic region for Hydatid Cyst, Tunisia is considered as an endemic country. The liver and lungs are common locations for Hydatid Cysts, whereas the Adrenal Glands are unusual and rare locations. PRESENTATION OF CASE: Here is a report of primary Hydatid Cyst in a 55-year old patient, with left hypochondrium pain as chief complain. No remarkable findings were revealed by physical examination and blood analysis showed normal range. Hydatid serology was negative. The diagnosis of Hydatid Cyst was suspected based on CT Scan results which showed a well-circumscribed, non-enhanced, multi-cystic, 12 cm mass with scattered calcifications located in the left adrenal gland. Therefore, the patient underwent an open surgery with resection of the protruding dome of the cyst as it was attached to the renal pedicle, the pancreatic tail, the spleen and the jejunum. The final pathological examination of the specimen led to a Hydatid Cyst. DISCUSSION: Throughout an extensive literature review that we have made, we have analyzed 54 reported cases, with their clinical presentations, biological exams, radiological features and surgical managements. The treatment should be surgical and has to be as conservative as possible. The prevention of the parasite transmission has to be the cornerstone of the disease management. CONCLUSION: The hydatid cyst of the adrenal gland remains a rare diagnosis that has to be evoked in case of an adrenal gland cyst, especially in an endemic country.

miR-143 expression profiles in urinary bladder cancer: correlation with clinical and epidemiological parameters.

Hsa-mir-143 and hsa-let-7c have been reported to be deregulated in multiple neoplasms. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of these miRNAs in bladder cancer (BCa) and to analyze the association between their expression profiles and clinical and epidemiological parameters. Ninety BCa specimens were included. Expression patterns of miR-143 and let-7c were assessed by qRT-PCR using Taqman specific probes. Validated and predicted targets of these miRNA's were identified using CSmiRTar and DAVID tools, respectively. miR-143 was downregulated in tumors compared to controls (mean fold-change (FC) = 0.076). Its expression was significantly higher in MIBC compared to NMIBC (p = 0,001). Its value as a potential biomarker discriminating non invasive tumors from the invasive ones was confirmed by ROC curve (AUC = 0.768; p = 0.0001). Also, this down-regulation positively correlates with frequency of tobacco use (p = 0,04) and chronic alcohol consumption (p = 0,04). Let-7c was overexpressed in BCa samples (mean (FC = 9.92) compared to non tumoral ones but was not associated to clinical and epidemiological parameters. A comprehensive overview of miR-143 targets and pathways implicated in BCa initiation, diagnosis or prognosis using bioinformatical analysis, was conducted. While both deregulated miRNAs may contribute to urothelial tumorigenesis, the deregulation of miR-143 was significantly correlated to epidemiological and clinical parameters.

Evaluating prognostic utility of preoperative Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio and hsa-let-7g/c up-regulation in patients with urinary bladder cancer.

BACKGROUND: Stratification and risk-evaluation of bladder cancer (BCa) patients are far-reached issues, especially for those with non muscle invasive disease. Thus, setting-up biomarkers, especially after resection of the primary tumor, is crucial. Specifically, Neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio NLR and let-7 deregulation which have been preliminarily but not consistently described to be associated to unfavorable prognosis. OBJECTIVE: To explore the clinical value of pre-treatment Neutrophil to Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), let-7c and let-7g's deregulation. METHODS: Data were extracted from ninety BCa samples. Pre-treatment NLR was estimated as the absolute neutrophil count divided by the absolute lymphocyte count. Expression patterns of let-7c and let-7g were assessed by qRT-PCR. Correlation with clinical characteristics was performed by descriptive statistics. RESULTS: Both let-7 miRs were upregulated. Interestingly, let-7g was associated to pathological stage (p= 0.001) and tumor multiplicity (p= 0.003). NLR was associated to histological grade (p= 0.005) and clinical stage (p= 0.006). They were both associated to more aggressive phenotype and their worth as potential stratification biomarkers was confirmed by ROC curve. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrated the potential clinical value of all markers, especially pretreatment NLR and let-7g. Further studies are recommended to confirm their utility in improving the clinical decision-making regarding treatment and follow-up scheduling.

Inguinal Solitary Fibrous Tumor: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: A solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) is a rare mesenchymal neoplasm that may occur in a wide range of sites, more commonly in the pleura. We report a well-documented case of an SFT with malignant histology arising in the inguinal region. CASE PRESENTATION: A 59-year-old man, with an unremarkable medical history, presented with a slow-growing painless mass in the left side of the inguinal region, which he had ignored for 3 years. On clinical examination, there was an indurated, irreducible, mobile, and painless mass in the left side of the inguinal area. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography results revealed a 15-cm mass made up of soft tissue and with nonspecific radiologic aspect. The tumor was totally excised, and the results of the pathologic examination concluded it was an SFT. DISCUSSION: The aim of our case report is to present a rare extrapleural localization of an SFT. Although its radiologic features are not specific, SFT should be considered in the differential diagnosis of inguinal masses.

The clinical and prognostic value of miR-9 gene expression in Tunisian patients with bladder cancer.

There is a major need for the identification of biomarkers, which are able to guide personalized therapy for bladder cancer, in particular after resection of the primary tumor. Specifically, miR-9 upregulation has been preliminarily associated with a more aggressive phenotype of bladder cancer, namely muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) or high-grade non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (HG NMIBC). In order to explore the potential utility of miR-9 as a biomarker in bladder cancer, we have investigated its expression pattern in a sample of Tunisian patients who have undergone primary resection. This is a retrospective study performed on BCa samples from 90 patients (44 specimens of HG NMIBC, 23 specimens of LG NMIBC, and 23 specimens of MIBC). Ten samples from the non-tumoral zone of cystectomy specimens were used as controls. For each specimen, we measured miR-9 expression and correlated it with the clinical characteristics of the patients. Overall, miR-9 was overexpressed in MIBC compared to NMIBC specimens (median fold change [FC]: - 8.89 vs 1.41, p = 0.001). Similarly, miR-9 expression was significantly different in LG NMIBC, HG NMIBC and MIBC subgroups (median FC: 0.68, 2.14 and 8.89, respectively; p = 0.001). ROC analysis showed that miR-9 expression pattern could be used as potential biomarker for distinguishing NMIBC subgroups: indeed miR-9 expression is relatively low in LG NMIBC and high in HG NMIBC. The thresholds are estimated at 0.063 and 21.597, respectively. Moreover, miR-9 was associated with a higher risk of progression. This study suggests the clinical value of miR-9 as a prognostic factor in bladder cancer after tumor resection. Should the prognostic ability of miR-9 be confirmed in larger studies, also on different ethnic groups, it would be useful to investigate whether urine sampling-which is easier to perform, less invasive and less costly-can provide the same results as analysis on surgical specimens.

Accuracy of fine-needle aspiration cytology of head and neck masses.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck masses are a common presentation in daily practice and can be challenging to both clinicians and cytopathologists. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is a widely used method for the diagnosis of head and neck masses. The aim of the study was to assess our institutional experience of the accuracy of FNAC in the diagnosis of head and neck masses. METHODS: A total of 1262 FNACs were conducted from January 2013 to December 2016 and subdivided into benign and malignant categories. The thyroid and salivary glands FNACs were classified according to the Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid cytopathology and to the Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology respectively. The measures of diagnostic accuracy of FNAC were determined taking histology as a gold standard. RESULTS: A total of 7 false negative (FN) and 6 false positive (FP) FNACs were identified. Overall sensitivity and specificity of FNAC for a malignant diagnosis were 92% and 94.4%, respectively. Accuracy of FNACs of head and neck masses was 93.5% for all sites. The salivary gland group had the highest rate of FN (2.8%). All FP were reported in the thyroid group. These cases were cytologically classified suspicious for malignancy (n = 3) and papillary carcinoma (n = 3) and proved to be lymphocytic thyroiditis on final histology. Among the most common locations, cytology of lymph nodes provided the best sensitivity (98.2%). Salivary glands as well as lymph nodes had the best specificity (100%). CONCLUSION: FNAC of head and neck masses has a high accuracy allowing a correct therapeutic management. However, this accuracy depends on the anatomic location of the mass.