Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of cervicofacial masses in children.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To show the usefulness of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in the diagnosis of cervicofacial masses in children. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING: Pediatric otolaryngology referral center, ambulatory and hospitalized patients. PATIENTS Seventeen pediatric (age, < 18 years) patients with cervicofacial masses. INTERVENTION Fine-needle aspiration biopsy. OUTCOME MEASURES: Cytologic diagnosis, resolution of mass, and need for further surgical diagnosis or treatment. RESULTS: Following FNAB, 10 patients underwent open surgery; in seven, the surgery was indicated based on FNAB diagnosis; in three, surgery provided diagnoses where FNAB was insufficient. Based on FNAB data, seven patients were observed without surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is a useful early step in diagnosing cervicofacial masses in children.