Minimal-invasive core needle biopsy of head and neck malignancies: clinical evaluation for radiation oncology

Neck masses are common presentations of cancer and require tissue sampling to establish a diagnosis prior to the institution of adequate therapy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the specific use and potential advantages of core needle biopsy (CNB) for radiation oncology in the head and neck.

We performed a retrospective analysis of 346 CNB procedures implemented in 165 patients with cervicofacial masses over a period of 56 months. Seventy-three patients had a history of malignancy, 43 had previously received radiation.

High-quality tissue cores were obtained from all patients. The target lesion was correctly sampled in 92.1% of patients. Final diagnosis was malignant in 115 patients, of whom 78 received radiotherapy. One biopsy result was false-negative. CNB was equally successful in the pre-irradiated patients and enabled institution of therapy in 92.3% of lymphoma patients.

CNB is an efficient tool for tissue sampling of head and neck masses. The potential advantages of CNB for radiation oncology over fine needle aspiration and open surgical biopsy are discussed. CNB enables clinicians to make optimal therapeutic strategies and facilitates prompt referral to the relevant clinical team, both at initial presentation and during follow-up.