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Fine needle aspiration cytology versus frozen section in branchial cleft cysts

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 February 2015

F Begbie ,
V Visvanathan  and
L J Clark
F Begbie
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
V Visvanathan*
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
L J Clark
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Mr V Visvanathan, ENT Department, Southern General Hospital, Glasgow G51 4TF, Scotland, UK E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Background:

Branchial cleft cysts occur because of a failure of involution of the second branchial cleft. However, as well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma can mimic branchial cleft cysts, there is a lack of consensus on the appropriate management of cystic neck lumps.

Objective:

To report our experience of fine needle aspiration cytology and frozen section examination in the management of cystic neck lumps.

Method:

Retrospective case note review of patients managed in the Southern General Hospital, Scotland, UK.

Results:

The sensitivity of fine needle aspiration cytology and frozen section for detecting branchial cleft cysts was 75 per cent and 100 per cent respectively. Two patients who did not undergo intra-operative frozen section examination were either over- or under-treated, which is discussed.

Conclusion:

Adult patients subjected to surgical excision of a suspected branchial cyst should undergo intra-operative frozen section analysis regardless of clinical suspicion for malignancy. This part of management is critical to ensure patients are offered appropriate treatment.

Keywords

Branchial CystsSquamous Cell CarcinomaFine-Needle Aspiration
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 129 , Issue 2 , February 2015 , pp. 174 - 178
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2015 

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