DOI: 10.36347/sjams.2020.v08i02.051

Pages: 636-648

Background: Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) of salivary gland lesions is an excellent technique for the diagnosis of suspected salivary gland lesions. Nodule or diffuse enlargement of the salivary glands may be caused by inflammation, cystic lesions, degenerative process, or benign/malignant neoplasm and needs correct diagnosis for proper management. Aim/Objectives: To evaluate the spectrum of salivary gland lesions in a Tertiary Care Centre in North India. Material and Methods: This retrospective study was carried out in the Department of Pathology in Government Medical College, Jammu. All Patients with suspected salivary gland lesions who underwent FNAC during one year were included in the study. The slides along with records of the patient were retrieved and findings recorded. Results: Inadequate/Non-Diagnostic aspirations were seen in 6 cases. Parotid gland was the commonest gland to be involved in our study. Non-neoplastic lesions accounted for 59.8% cases followed by benign tumours (24.4%) and malignant tumours (8.5%). Chronic sialadenitis was the commonest non-neoplastic lesion (38.8%, 19/49), Pleomorphic adenoma (65%, 13/20) was the commonest benign neoplasm and Mucoepidermoid carcinoma was the commonest malignant lesion (42.8%, 3/7) observed in our study. Conclusions: FNAC is a useful, quick and reliable diagnostic technique for evaluating salivary gland lesions in developing countries. FNAC provides useful information on the management of salivary gland lesions and prevents unnecessary surgery in cases of nonneoplastic lesions and identification of malignancy helps the surgeon in deciding type and extent of surgery.