Cytology Services Utilisation Pattern in North-Central Nigeria

Utilisation of fine needle aspiration cytology and biopsy in Sokoto, Nigeria: A five-year review

“…This figure is much higher than that reported from north-central Nigeria where a rate of 97 FNAC per year (over three years) was observed. 9 However, it is comparable to Faduliye’s study from south-west Nigeria, where a total of 1855 cases (representing FNAC specimens and cytology specimens obtained by other means) were performed over a period of six years (although that study also included cytology specimens obtained by other means). 1 These studies show that the procedure is still in the early stages of widespread use as compared to figures from centres in developed countries that report up to 1000 cases per year.…”

“…This finding compares with the observations of Mohammed et al from north-east Nigeria and Vhriterhue from north central Nigeria. 7,8,9…”

“…In our centre, we had 15.2% of such ‘grey zone’ (‘suspicious’) cases and this needs to be improved upon to reduce the dilemma and further distress placed on surgeons and patients. 9,11 To achieve this, it is recommended that the FNAC (especially for barely palpable lesions or lesions located in anatomically difficult sites to access) be performed under ultrasound guide, for example. This will further improve the yield of the aspiration.…”