Ultrasound-Guided Core Needle Biopsy for Salivary Gland Lesions

Abstract

Background: A salivary gland swelling may result from various causes and create a diagnostic challenge. This study was conducted to evaluate the usefulness of ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy as a diagnostic modality. Material and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study conducted in Nawabshah Medical College, Pakistan, from January 2004 to December 2007. One hundred and eight patients were included, ages 13-72 years (Mean 52.2). Ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy was performed. These patients also underwent excision biopsy. Histological diagnosis of ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy was compared with that of excisional biopsy. Results: Out of 108 patients, 70(64.8%) lesion were in parotid and 38(35.2%) in sub-mandibular gland. Histological findings of ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy showed non-neoplastic lesions in 29(26.8%) cases; 12 reactive lymph nodes, 9 chronic non-specific sialadenitis, 4 tuberculosis, 3 retention cysts and one salivary gland abscess. Benign neoplastic lesions were found in 54(50%); 35 pleomorphic adenomas, 12 Warthin tumors, 5 monomorphic adenomas, and 2 hemangiomas. Malignant lesions were found in 25(23.1%); 8 mucoepidermoid carcinoma, 6 lymphoma, 4 adenoid cystic carcinoma, 4 malignant mixed tumor and 3 adenocarcinoma. Excisional biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy, except in one case of Warthin tumor which was mucoepidermoid carcinoma on excisional biopsy. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy is a safe, simple and accurate procedure for the diagnosis of salivary gland lesions and can be performed as an outpatient procedure.