Ultrasound and guided fine needle aspiration cytology in the submandibular triangle

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether High Resolution Ultrasound (US) along with Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) can provide the surgeon with adequate preoperative information for masses in the submandibular triangle. Subjects and methods: Eighty-two consecutive patients with suspected masses of the submandibular triangle had US with guided FNAC (49 patients) and final histological correlation (47 patients). Results: Compared to final histology, US had a sensitivity of 97%, specificity 83%, positive predictive value 91% and a negative predictive value of 95% while FNAC had sensitivity of 100%, specificity 90%, positive predictive value 94% and negative predictive value of 100%. Conclusion: US combined with a FNAC is an ideal initial investigation for evaluating masses in submandibular area. It is quick, inexpensive, easily available, and provides the surgeon with relevant information preoperatively obviating the need for further expensive imaging.