Aspiration cytology of head and neck masses.

Fine needle aspiration biopsy and cytologic examination of the aspirate were performed on 203 masses involving glandular and nodal structures of the head and neck: thyroid gland (85); salivary glands (31); and lymph nodes (87). Overall cytologic-histologic correlation was 91 per cent, with a 10 per cent false-negative rate. The ease of the procedure coupled with the rapidity of obtaining a pathologic diagnosis allows a more intelligent therapeutic approach.