RESUMEN
OBJECTIVES: We aimed to determine the sensitivity and specificity of fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in patients with parotid masses. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 29 patients (15 males, 14 females; mean age 52 years; range 20 to 83 years) who underwent FNAB and parotidectomy for parotid masses. After a detailed history taking, otorhinolaryngologic and systemic examinations were performed. Neck ultrasonography and, when needed, neck computed tomography were used. Superficial parotidectomy was performed in 20 patients and total parotidectomy in nine patients. RESULTS: The results of FNAB were reported as benign in 21 patients (72.4%), malignant in six patients (20.7%), and suspicious in two patients (6.9%). Postoperative histopathologic diagnoses were reported as benign in 17 patients (58.6%) and malignant in 12 patients (41.4%). The sensitivity and specificity rates for FNAB were 54.6% and 100%, respectively. The most common histopathological diagnosis was pleomorphic adenoma (n=7, 24.1%), followed by mucoepidermoid carcinoma (n=4, 13.8%), and Warthin's tumor (n=3, 10.3%). CONCLUSION: Preoperative FNAB for parotid masses plays an important role in planning surgery.
