Salivary gland tumors. Fine-needle aspiration vs frozen-section diagnosis.

We examined the relative accuracy of fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) and frozen section (FS) in the diagnosis of salivary gland tumors; FNAB completely and accurately diagnosed 35 (88%) of 40 cases, including ten (100%) of ten nonneoplastic lesions, 20 (87%) of 23 benign, and five (71%) of seven malignant tumors. No complications were encountered with this procedure. These results compare favorably with previously published reports. Twenty-one of 40 tumors diagnosed by FNAB and FS at surgery. Sixteen (76%) of 21 of these were correctly diagnosed by FNAB, and 15 (71%) of 21 by FS. Cystic lesions gave the most diagnostic difficulties both on FNAB and FS. Worldwide, FNAB has been demonstrated to be a cost-effective, accurate, and safe procedure. Furthermore, the use of FNAB allows for better preoperative management and overall treatment planning.