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Fine-needle aspiration biopsy of cervicofacial masses in children
D E Tunkel1, F M Baroody, M E Sherman
1Department of Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Insights
Fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is a valuable initial diagnostic tool for pediatric cervicofacial masses. This method aids in determining the need for surgery, improving diagnostic efficiency in children.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Diagnostic Cytopathology
Background:
- Cervicofacial masses in children present diagnostic challenges.
- Accurate and timely diagnosis is crucial for appropriate management.
Observation:
- A case series evaluated the utility of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in pediatric patients.
- Seventeen children with cervicofacial masses were included in the study.
Findings:
- FNAB provided a cytologic diagnosis in most cases, guiding subsequent management.
- Seven of ten patients undergoing surgery had their procedures indicated by FNAB results.
- Seven patients were managed conservatively based on FNAB findings, avoiding unnecessary surgery.
Implications:
- FNAB serves as an effective and minimally invasive first step in the diagnostic workup of pediatric cervicofacial masses.
- Early diagnosis through FNAB can help streamline treatment pathways and reduce healthcare costs.
Objective:
To show the usefulness of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) in the diagnosis of cervicofacial masses in children.
Design:
Case series.
Setting:
Pediatric otolaryngology referral center, ambulatory and hospitalized patients.
Patients:
Seventeen pediatric (age, < 18 years) patients with cervicofacial masses.
Intervention:
Fine-needle aspiration biopsy.
Outcome Measures:
Cytologic diagnosis, resolution of mass, and need for further surgical diagnosis or treatment.
Results:
Following FNAB, 10 patients underwent open surgery; in seven, the surgery was indicated based on FNAB diagnosis; in three, surgery provided diagnoses where FNAB was insufficient. Based on FNAB data, seven patients were observed without surgery.
Conclusions:
Fine-needle aspiration biopsy is a useful early step in diagnosing cervicofacial masses in children.
