The diagnostic performance of ultrasound-guided core biopsy in the diagnosis of head and neck lymphoma: results in 226 patients. Issue 4 (April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cuenca-Jimenez, T.; Chia, Z.; Desai, A.; Moody, A.; Ramesar, K.; Grace, R.; Howlett, D.C.
• Is Part Of: International journal of oral & maxillofacial surgery. Volume 50:Issue 4(2021)
• Page Start: 431
• Page End: 436
• Publication Date: 2021-04
• Subjects: ultrasound-guided core biopsy -- head and neck cancer -- Lymphoma -- lymphoma diagnosis -- diagnostic efficacy; Mouth -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Maxilla -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Dentistry -- Periodicals; Dentistry, Operative; Oral Surgical Procedures; Surgery, Oral; Dentistry; Maxilla -- Surgery; Mouth -- Surgery; Electronic journals; Periodicals; 617.52059
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijom.2020.07.005
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0901-5027

Abstract

Abstract: Many clinical guidelines for investigating lymphomas advise that surgical excision biopsy (SEB) should be performed for a confident diagnosis. It is increasingly recognized in clinical practice that ultrasound-guided core needle biopsy (USCNB) is a reliable diagnostic technique. We aimed to investigate the diagnostic efficacy of USCNB in head and neck lymphoma. A retrospective analysis of all diagnosed head and neck lymphomas between 2013 and 2018 was performed. Patient records, radiology and histopathology reports along with the biopsy technique: fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC), USCNB, and SEB used were reviewed. The technique providing diagnosis and leading to initiation of treatment was identified. Two-hundred and thirty patients and 267 biopsy samples were included. A total of 226 patients underwent USCN. In 215 of 226 (95.1%) USCNB patients were fully diagnostic allowing for initiation of oncological treatment; 11 patients required a subsequent SEB to provide diagnosis. In four patients, SEB was the only investigation performed. Of the USCNB total number of procedures (number of patients n = 230 is the same coincidentally as the number of USCNB procedures), 215 of 230 (93.5%) were fully diagnostic samples. In the majority of cases, USCNB provided a definitive diagnosis allowing initiation of oncological treatment, avoiding the need for SEB. USCNB should be considered the first-line diagnostic modality in appropriate cases, as it reduces time to initiate treatment, costs and avoids patients having to undergo unnecessary surgery and possible complications.