Fine needle aspiration biopsy diagnosis of neck masses

The cytologic findings in 107 aspiration smears obtained with the fine needle technique from head and neck masses were compared with the histologic findings in permanent sections. The overall concurrence rate between cytologic and histologic findings in benign and malignant tumors was 82.2 per cent. There was a 5.6 per cent incidence of false negative findings. There were no false positive results. Fine needle aspiration was found to be safe, complication free, and most helpful in planning treatment. We recommend the technique to others who deal with head and neck masses.