Initial experience with core-needle biopsy in diagnosing head and neck pathology

Czech version

Authors: M. Hyravý ¹; I. Stárek ¹; R. Salzman ¹; Z. Horáková ¹; P. Beláková ¹; J. Čivrný ²; D. Skanderová ³
Authors‘ workplace: Klinika otorinolaryngologie a chirurgie hlavy a krku LF UP a FN Olomouc ¹; Radiologická klinika LF UP a FN Olomouc ²; Ústav klinické a molekulární patologie LF UP a FN Olomouc ³
Published in: Otorinolaryngol Foniatr, 74, 2025, No. 1, pp. 36-42.
Category: Original Article
doi: https://doi.org/10.48095/ccorl202536

Overview

Introduction: A neck lump is a common finding in ENT practice. Its early and precise diagnostics are the corner stone for successful treatment, especially in cases of malignant tumours. Commonly used fine-needle aspiration biopsy has a high rate of non-diagnostic results, while open surgical biopsy poses a procedure with a higher incidence of complications and the necessity of hospital admission. Core-needle biopsy (CNB) represents the least invasive method of obtaining a tissue sample sufficient for histological examination. Methods: In our retrospective study, we investigated 70 CNBs taken from 62 patients between 6/2020 to 12/2022. The outcome measures were the sensitivity and specificity of CNB in diagnosing neoplasia of the head and neck. All CNBs were performed by an otorhinolaryngologist. Results: In the entire cohort, the sensitivity and specificity for neoplasia were 69.5% and 90.9%, respectively. For malignancy, the sensitivity was 53.9% and the specificity was 100%. In cases of squamous cell carcinoma, we reached 83.3% for sensitivity and 100% for specificity. For lymphoma, the sensitivity and specificity were 33.3% and 100%, respectively. CNB sensitivity and specificity for salivary neoplasia were 74. % and 87.5%, respectively. We encoutered a single complication, i.e. temporary paresis of the facial nerve, which resolved spontaneously soon afterwards. Conclusion: Our results underline the potential of CNB in diagnosing head and neck neoplasias. It is highly specific for squamous cell carcinoma, while it lacks sufficient sensitivity for lymphomas. Ultrasound guidance is recommended especially for small and impalpable lessions.

Keywords:

Biopsy – neoplasms – ultrasonography

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