The outcomes and decision-making process for neck lymph nodes with indeterminate fine-needle aspiration cytology

This study aims to propose a cytological classification, to evaluate predictive factors of the final malignancy, and to suggest a proper management strategy for neck lymph nodes (LNs) with indeterminate cytology.

Patients who had neck lymphadenopathy with indeterminate cytology between 2007 and 2017 were analyzed retrospectively in a tertiary medical center. Cytological classification was conducted according to the cytological descriptions. We examined the clinical characteristics according to the final diagnosis of the neck lymphadenopathy.

According to the final diagnoses, there were 142 malignant and 95 benign neck LNs among 237 patients. Multivariate analyses using a stepwise logistic regression model showed that cytological classification [p < 0.001, OR = 5.67 (3.48-9.23)], prior history of malignancy [p = 0.01, OR = 2.97 (1.26-6.99)], long axis [p = 0.01, OR = 3.06 (1.33-7.06)], short-to-long axis (S/L) ratio [p = 0.047, OR = 2.15 (1.01-4.57)] and internal echogenicity [p = 0.01, OR = 2.72 (1.26-5.86)] were independent predictors of malignancy.

In patients who have neck LNs with indeterminate cytology, a cytological classification and four other predictors (prior history of malignancy, long axis ≥ 1.93 cm, S/L ratio ≥ 0.64 and heterogeneity of internal echogenicity) are statistically associated with the risk of malignancy and helpful in guiding further management.