Fine Needle aspiration biopsy in head and neck lesions During a period between 1994-1996, 1000 fine needle aspirations (FNA) were performed by the pathologist in our FNA policlinic. 584 of these cases were located in the region of head-neck. In 560 (95.89%) of the cases adequate materials were obtained. The distribution of the cases is 383 thyroid, 115 Iymph node, 51 cutaneus-subcutaneus and 35 salivary gland. There was no complications in any of the patients. In 89 cases, which performed biopsy followed by FNA; the sensitivity is 78% and specifity is 94%.

In head-neck lesions FNA cytology is a simple, rapid, low-costed and highly reliable diagnostic method. The fact procedure is carried on by a pathologist affect the rate of satisfactory diagnostic material, correct histologic intervention and diagnosis positively, provide numerous advantages for the patient, patologist and clinicians.