Related Experiment Video For Cytopathology
Updated: Jul 24, 2026
Four-color Fluorescence Immunohistochemistry of T-cell Subpopulations in Archival Formalin-fixed, Paraffin-embedded Human Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Samples
Published on: July 29, 2017
Cytopathological analysis of salivary gland cancer: REFCOR recommendations by the formal consensus method
M Courtade-Saïdi1, E Uro-Coste1, S Vergez2
1Département d'anatomie et de cytologie pathologiques, faculté de santé, institut universitaire du cancer Toulouse - Oncopole, université Toulouse III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France.
Objective:
To determine the indications for fine-needle cytology and the modalities of frozen section pathological analysis in the management of salivary gland cancer.
Material And Methods:
The French Network of Rare Head and Neck Tumors (REFCOR) formed a steering group who drafted a narrative review of the literature published on Medline and proposed recommendations. The level of adherence to the recommendations was then assessed by a rating group according to the formal consensus method.
Results:
Fine-needle cytology is recommended as part of the diagnostic work-up for a major salivary gland tumor suspicious for malignancy. Fine-needle cytology should be performed after MRI to avoid artifacts. Frozen section analysis is recommended to confirm the malignant nature of the tumor, to adapt the extent of resection and to indicate neck dissection. Whenever possible, the entire tumor and adjacent salivary or periglandular tissue should be sent for frozen section analysis.
Conclusion:
Fine-needle cytology and frozen section analysis play an essential role in the management of salivary gland cancers.
