Core needle biopsy in the diagnosis of head and neck lesions: a retrospective study of 3 years

Abstract

The management of head and neck tumors is guided by its nature, location and extension. Despite CNB accuracy and efficiency being widely described in the literature, there are few studies that evaluate the diagnostic utility of the technique performed in an outpatient setting, in the diagnosis of head and neck tumors. The aim of this study is to present the experience, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of the CNB performed in an outpatient setting, free handed, in an important oncology school-hospital. A total of 2007 patients with tumors in the head and neck treated for a period of 3 years were evaluated. A retrospective chart review was performed in 36 of these patients, who underwent core needle biopsy for diagnosis. All samples collected were subjected to histopathological analysis. Values of accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were 94, 92 and 100 %, respectively. In our service, held in an outpatient setting and without the aid of imaging tests, the core needle biopsy proved to be a test with high accuracy values, sensitivity and specificity, easy of application, low morbidity and high predictability, with great use in diagnosing tumors in head and neck.

Biopsia en Carcinoma Escamoso de Orofaringe

“…En relación con la biopsia core, éste tiene la ventaja de obtener tejido que permite realizar estudios de inmunohistoquímica de forma más completa, presentando una mayor exactitud diagnostica comparado con la PAF (13). Algunos estudios muestran sensibilidad y especificidad de la biopsia core de un 92% y 100%, respectivamente 14 .…”

Head and neck cancers of unknown primary: A diagnostic and therapeutic challenge

“…The primary tumor cannot be identified and has a reported diagnostic accuracy of up to 94%, with a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 100% 33 .…”

Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Unknown Primary: A Diagnostic Work-Up

“… 26 In addition, while core needle biopsy is typically used in conjunction with ultrasonography, a study reported by Ferreira et al determined that core needle biopsy can be performed independently in an outpatient setting, with an accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 94%, 92%, and 100%, respectively. 27 Despite these excellent results, ultrasonography-guided biopsy is still preferable, if available, to minimize the risk of complications.…”