[The importance of fine needle aspiration biopsy in the diagnosis of parotid tumors]. / Intérêt de la cytoponction à l'aiguille fine dans le diagnostic des tumeurs parotidiennes.

This study aimed to determine the diagnostic value of fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and of its contribution to the management of parotid tumors. We conducted a retrospective study of 47 patients who had undergone parotidectomy as well as preoperative fine needle aspiration biopsy. The study highlighted that eighty one percent of patients had a benign tumor while 19% of patients had a malignant tumor. The sensitivity and specificity of FNAB were 78% and 92% respectively. Parotid tumors were correctly classified as malignant or benign in 89% of cases, overall accuracy was 64.4%. FNAB is a reliable examination providing preoperative informations about the treatment plan and the postoperative course.